Devices and methods for consuming a plurality of liquids and mold apparatuses for forming such devices

ABSTRACT

Devices, methods, and mold apparatuses for forming devices facilitate consumption of a plurality of liquids by a user, such as a first liquid followed by a second liquid. In some cases, the first liquid is a relatively harsh liquid and the second liquid is a relatively mild liquid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/158,667, filed Oct. 12, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,961,018, andtitled “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONSUMING A PLURALITY OF LIQUIDS ANDMOLD APPARATUSES FOR FORMING SUCH DEVICES,” which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 15/175,825, filed Jun. 7, 2016, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,138,022, and titled “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONSUMING APLURALITY OF LIQUIDS AND MOLD APPARATUSES FOR FORMING SUCH DEVICES,” theentireties of which are incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for facilitatingconsumption of a first liquid and shortly thereafter a second liquid.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices and methodsfor facilitating consumption of a relatively harsh liquid (for example,a liquid including alcohol) and shortly thereafter a relatively mildliquid (for example, a liquid lacking alcohol).

BACKGROUND

While many persons enjoy the psychoactive effect produced by theconsumption of alcoholic beverages, and often relate its use to times ofrelaxation, socialization, and celebration, few truly enjoy the flavorand taste profiles of their shared intoxicating constituent—ethanol.Consequently, and since the advent of distilled beverages, creativeminds have developed numerous concoctions and unique methods ofconsumption to disguise the undesirable flavor and taste of ethylalcohol.

Distilled beverages are prepared in a number of ways, including neat orstraight, straight up, on the rocks, blended or frozen, with a simplemixer, as an ingredient of a cocktail or shooter, with water, with waterpoured over sugar, or the like. Depending on the type of liquor, mixer,or both, these drinks are also served in various forms of glassware,including pint glasses, goblet glasses, snifter glasses, cocktailglasses, margarita glasses, highball glasses, rocks glasses, Irishcoffee glasses, shot glasses, shooter glasses or the like.

In recent years, many alcoholic beverage connoisseurs have adopted amethod of drinking distilled beverages that includes consuming a shot ofliquor from a shot glass, bottle, or other beverage container followedby a relatively mild beverage, such as a carbonated soft drink,alcoholic beverage, fruit juice, “energy” drink, or the like, from adifferent beverage container. This relatively mild beverage istypically, and appropriately, referred to as a “chaser.” This method isused to wash out the mouth and soothe the throat.

Recent developments have attempted to mimic this practice via asingle-unit drinking device. However, these devices typically only keepthe distilled liquor and relatively mild beverage separated prior totilting the device. That is, upon tilting the device, the compartmentedliquids begin to mix prior to entering the user's mouth, which isessentially the same as consuming a poorly mixed drink. In other cases,a shot glass containing liquor is dropped into another partially-filledbeverage container prior to consumption, which not only creates a mess,but also requires an additional step in preparing a mixed drink.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides various devices and methods forconsuming a plurality of liquids and mold apparatuses for forming suchdevices.

A device for consuming a plurality of liquids according to embodimentsof the present disclosure includes: a first liquid chamber adapted tocarry a first liquid, the first liquid chamber including an open endadapted for receiving the first liquid in the first liquid chamber anddelivering the first liquid from the first liquid chamber; a secondliquid chamber coupled to the first liquid chamber, the second liquidchamber including: an inlet adapted for receiving liquids in the secondliquid chamber; an outlet adapted for delivering liquids from the secondliquid chamber; a first attachment element coupled to the first andsecond liquid chambers, the first attachment element adapted todetachably couple the device to a first liquid container and facilitatereceiving a second liquid carried by the first liquid container in thesecond liquid chamber via the inlet; and a second attachment elementcoupled to the first and second liquid chambers, the second attachmentelement adapted to detachably couple the device to a second liquidcontainer and facilitate receiving a third liquid carried by the secondliquid container in the second liquid chamber via the inlet.

The device of paragraph [0008], further including a third attachmentelement coupled to the first and second liquid chambers, the thirdattachment element adapted to detachably couple the device to a thirdliquid container and facilitate receiving a fourth liquid carried by thethird liquid container in the second liquid chamber via the inlet.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0009], wherein the first liquidcontainer is a first tab-opened container having a first rim, the firstattachment element includes a first shoulder having a first size, andthe first shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the first rimof the first tab-opened container; and wherein the second liquidcontainer is a second tab-opened container having a second rim, thesecond attachment element includes a second shoulder having a secondsize, the second size being greater than the first size, and the secondshoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the second rim of thesecond tab-opened container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0010], wherein the third liquidcontainer is a twist-off capped container including a container outletand an outer threaded surface at the container outlet, the thirdattachment element includes an inner threaded surface being adapted todetachably couple to the outer threaded surface of the twist-off cappedcontainer.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0011], wherein the third liquidcontainer is a pry-off capped container including a container outlet anda lip at the container outlet, the third attachment element includes athird shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the lip of thepry-off capped container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0012], wherein the first liquidcontainer is a first tab-opened container having a first rim, the firstattachment element includes a first shoulder having a first size, andthe first shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the first rimof the first tab-opened container; wherein the second liquid containeris a twist-off capped container including a first container outlet andan outer threaded surface at the first container outlet, the secondattachment element includes an inner threaded surface being adapted todetachably couple to the outer threaded surface of the twist-off cappedcontainer; and wherein the third liquid container is a pry-off cappedcontainer including a second container outlet and a lip at the secondcontainer outlet, the third attachment element includes a third shoulderbeing adapted to detachably couple to the lip of the pry-off cappedcontainer.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0013], wherein the first liquidcontainer is a first tab-opened container having a first rim, the firstattachment element includes a first shoulder having a first size, andthe first shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the first rimof the first tab-opened container; wherein the second liquid containeris a capped container including a container outlet, the secondattachment element being adapted to detachably couple to the containeroutlet; and wherein the third liquid container is a coverless container,the third attachment element includes a tapering outer surface of thedevice, and the tapering outer surface being adapted to be detachablyreceived by the coverless container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0014], further including afourth attachment element coupled to the first and second liquidchambers, the fourth attachment element adapted to detachably couple thedevice to a fourth liquid container and facilitate receiving a fourthliquid carried by the fourth liquid container in the second liquidchamber via the inlet.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0015], wherein the first liquidcontainer is a first tab-opened container having a first rim, the firstattachment element includes a first shoulder having a first size, andthe first shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the first rimof the first tab-opened container; wherein the second liquid containeris a second tab-opened container having a second rim, the secondattachment element includes a second shoulder having a second size, thesecond size being greater than the first size, and the second shoulderbeing adapted to detachably couple to the second rim of the secondtab-opened container; wherein the third liquid container is a twist-offcapped container including a first container outlet and an outerthreaded surface at the first container outlet, the third attachmentelement includes an inner threaded surface being adapted to detachablycouple to the outer threaded surface of the twist-off capped container;and wherein the fourth liquid container is a pry-off capped containerincluding a second container outlet and a lip at the second containeroutlet, the fourth attachment element includes a third shoulder having athird size, the third size being less than the first size, and the thirdshoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the lip of the pry-offcapped container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0016], wherein the first liquidcontainer is a first tab-opened container having a first rim, the firstattachment element includes a first shoulder having a first size, andthe first shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the first rimof the first tab-opened container; wherein the second liquid containeris a second tab-opened container having a second rim, the secondattachment element includes a second shoulder having a second size, thesecond size being greater than the first size, and the second shoulderbeing adapted to detachably couple to the second rim of the secondtab-opened container; wherein the third liquid container is a cappedcontainer including a container outlet, the third attachment elementbeing adapted to detachably couple to the container outlet; and whereinthe fourth liquid container is a coverless container, the fourthattachment element includes a tapering outer surface of the device, andthe tapering outer surface being adapted to be detachably received bythe coverless container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0017], wherein the first liquidcontainer is a first tab-opened container having a first rim, the firstattachment element includes a first shoulder having a first size, andthe first shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the first rimof the first tab-opened container; wherein the second liquid containeris a twist-off capped container including a first container outlet andan outer threaded surface at the first container outlet, the secondattachment element includes an inner threaded surface being adapted todetachably couple to the outer threaded surface of the twist-off cappedcontainer; wherein the third liquid container is a pry-off cappedcontainer including a second container outlet and a lip at the secondcontainer outlet, the third attachment element includes a third shoulderbeing adapted to detachably couple to the lip of the pry-off cappedcontainer; and wherein the fourth liquid container is a coverlesscontainer, the fourth attachment element includes a tapering outersurface of the device, and the tapering outer surface being adapted tobe detachably received by the coverless container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0018], further including a fifthattachment element coupled to the first and second liquid chambers, thefifth attachment element adapted to detachably couple the device to afifth liquid container and facilitate receiving a fifth liquid carriedby the fifth liquid container in the second liquid chamber via theinlet.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0019], wherein the first liquidcontainer is a first tab-opened container having a first rim, the firstattachment element includes a first shoulder having a first size, andthe first shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the first rimof the first tab-opened container; wherein the second liquid containeris a second tab-opened container having a second rim, the secondattachment element includes a second shoulder having a second size, thesecond size being greater than the first size, and the second shoulderbeing adapted to detachably couple to the second rim of the secondtab-opened container; wherein the third liquid container is a twist-offcapped container including a first container outlet and an outerthreaded surface at the first container outlet, the third attachmentelement includes an inner threaded surface being adapted to detachablycouple to the outer threaded surface of the twist-off capped container;wherein the fourth liquid container is a pry-off capped containerincluding a second container outlet and a lip at the second containeroutlet, the fourth attachment element includes a third shoulder having athird size, the third size being less than the first size, and the thirdshoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the lip of the pry-offcapped container; and wherein the fifth liquid container is a coverlesscontainer, the fifth attachment element includes a tapering outersurface of the device, and the tapering outer surface being adapted tobe detachably received by the coverless container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0020], further including anadapter including the inner threaded surface and the third shoulder, theadapter being detachably coupled to the first shoulder and the secondshoulder.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0021], wherein the adapter isreversibly connectable to the first shoulder and the second shoulder ina first position and a second position, in the first position the innerthreaded surface being adapted to detachably couple to the outerthreaded surface of the twist-off capped container, and in the secondposition the third shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to thelip of the pry-off capped container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0022], wherein in the firstposition the inner threaded surface is disposed between the thirdshoulder and the first shoulder, and in the second position the thirdshoulder is disposed between the inner threaded surface and the firstshoulder.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0023], wherein the first liquidcontainer is a first tab-opened container having a first rim, the firstattachment element includes a first shoulder having a first size, andthe first shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the first rimof the first tab-opened container; and wherein the second liquidcontainer is a second tab-opened container having a second rim, thesecond attachment element includes a second shoulder having a secondsize, the second size being greater than the first size, and the secondshoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the second rim of thesecond tab-opened container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0024], wherein the first liquidcontainer is a first tab-opened container having a first rim, the firstattachment element includes a first shoulder having a first size, andthe first shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the first rimof the first tab-opened container, and further including an adapterdetachably coupled to the first attachment element and including thesecond attachment element.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0025], wherein the second liquidcontainer is a twist-off capped container including a first containeroutlet and an outer threaded surface at the first container outlet, thesecond attachment element includes an inner threaded surface beingadapted to detachably couple to the outer threaded surface of thetwist-off capped container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0026], wherein the adapterfurther includes a third attachment element adapted to detachably couplethe device to a third liquid container and facilitate receiving a fourthliquid carried by the third liquid container in the second liquidchamber via the inlet, wherein the third liquid container is a pry-offcapped container including a second container outlet and a lip at thesecond container outlet, and the third attachment element includes athird shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the lip of thepry-off capped container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0027], wherein the adapter isreversibly connectable to the first shoulder in a first position and asecond position, in the first position the inner threaded surface beingadapted to detachably couple to the outer threaded surface of thetwist-off capped container, and in the second position the thirdshoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the lip of the pry-offcapped container.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0028], wherein in the firstposition the inner threaded surface is disposed between the thirdshoulder and the first shoulder, and in the second position the thirdshoulder is disposed between the inner threaded surface and the firstshoulder.

The device of any of paragraphs [0008]-[0029], wherein the second liquidcontainer is a pry-off capped container including a container outlet anda lip at the container outlet, the second attachment element includes asecond shoulder being adapted to detachably couple to the lip of thepry-off capped container.

A device for consuming a plurality of liquids according to embodimentsof the present disclosure includes: a brim; a first liquid chambercoupled to the brim and adapted to carry a first liquid, the firstliquid chamber including an open end adapted for receiving the firstliquid in the first liquid chamber and delivering the first liquid fromthe first liquid chamber; a outer surface coupled to the brim, the outersurface being adapted to press-fittingly engage an inner surface of acoverless container to detachably secure the device to the coverlesscontainer; a lower surface coupled to the outer surface; and a channelextending from the lower surface to the brim, the channel being adaptedto deliver therethrough a second liquid carried by the coverlesscontainer.

The device of paragraph [0031], wherein the device includes a unitarybody defining the brim, the first liquid chamber, the outer surface, thelower surface, and the channel.

The device of any of paragraphs [0031]-[0032], wherein the outer surfacetapers inwardly proceeding from the brim to the lower surface.

The device of any of paragraphs [0031]-[0033], wherein the first liquidchamber has a circular cross-sectional shape, the outer surface has asemi-circular cross-sectional shape, and the semi-circularcross-sectional shape is substantially concentrically disposed relativeto the circular cross-sectional shape.

The device of any of paragraphs [0031]-[0034], further including aremoval element coupled to and extending from the brim, the removalelement being adapted to be grasped by a user to facilitate removal ofthe device from the coverless container.

A method according to embodiments of the present disclosure forconsuming a first liquid and a second liquid carried by a liquidcontainer, the liquid container including a liquid container outletadapted to permit passage of the second liquid therethrough, includes:providing a device having a body, the body including: a first liquidchamber adapted to carry the first liquid; an attachment element coupledto the first liquid chamber and adapted to attach the device to theliquid container proximate the liquid container outlet; a device outletadapted to permit passage of the second liquid therethrough; couplingthe device to the liquid container proximate the liquid container outletvia the attachment element; positioning a first liquid within the firstliquid chamber; positioning the device and the liquid container in afirst orientation in which the body is positioned so as to inhibit flowof the second liquid through the device outlet; consuming the firstliquid from the first liquid chamber while the device and the liquidcontainer are positioned in the first orientation; repositioning thedevice and the liquid container in a second orientation in which thebody is positioned so as to permit flow of the second liquid through thedevice outlet; and consuming the second liquid from the device outletwhile the device and the liquid container are positioned in the secondorientation.

The method of paragraph [0036], wherein in the first orientation thedevice outlet is at a first elevation, in the second orientation thedevice outlet is at a second elevation, and the second elevation is lessthan the first elevation.

The method of any of paragraphs [0036]-[0037], wherein the liquidcontainer is a tab-opened container having a rim at the liquid containeroutlet, the attachment element includes a shoulder, and coupling thedevice to the liquid container includes detachably engaging the rim andshoulder.

The method of any of paragraphs [0036]-[0038], wherein the liquidcontainer is a twist-off capped container including an outer threadedsurface at the liquid container outlet, the attachment element includesan inner threaded surface, and coupling the device to the liquidcontainer includes detachably engaging the outer threaded surface andthe inner threaded surface.

The method of any of paragraphs [0036]-[0039], wherein the liquidcontainer is a pry-off capped container including a lip at the liquidcontainer outlet, the attachment element includes a shoulder, andcoupling the device to the liquid container includes detachably engagingthe lip and the shoulder.

The method of any of paragraphs [0036]-[0040], wherein the liquidcontainer is a coverless container having an inner surface, theattachment element includes a tapering outer surface of the device, andcoupling the device to the liquid container includes detachably engagingthe outer surface against the inner surface.

The method of any of paragraphs [0036]-[0041], wherein the first liquidhas a first alcohol content, the second liquid has a second alcoholcontent, and the second alcohol content is less than the first alcoholcontent.

The method of any of paragraphs [0036]-[0042], wherein the first liquidincludes alcohol and the second liquid lacks alcohol.

A mold apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure forforming a liquid consumption device includes: a die including a diechamber, the die chamber being adapted to receive an uncured materialand permit the uncured material to cure therein and thereby form theliquid consumption device; a liquid chamber-forming feature disposedwithin the die chamber and adapted to form a liquid chamber in theliquid consumption device when the uncured material cures in the diechamber; and a liquid channel-forming feature disposed within the diechamber and adapted to form a liquid channel in an outer surface of theliquid consumption device when the uncured material cures in the diechamber.

The mold apparatus of paragraph [0044], wherein the liquidchannel-forming feature monolithically couples to the die within the diechamber.

The mold apparatus of any of paragraphs [0044]-[0045], wherein the dieis a first die, and further including a second die being movablerelative to the first die, the second die including the liquidchamber-forming feature.

The mold apparatus of any of paragraphs [0044]-[0046], wherein thesecond die further includes a base, and the liquid chamber-formingfeature monolithically couples to the base.

The mold apparatus of any of paragraphs [0044]-[0047], wherein the dieincludes a plurality of die chambers, each of the die chambers beingadapted to receive an associated uncured material and permit theassociated uncured material to cure therein and thereby form anassociated liquid consumption device, and further including: a pluralityof liquid chamber-forming features, each of the liquid chamber-formingfeatures disposed within one of the die chambers and adapted to form aliquid chamber in the associated liquid consumption device when theassociated uncured material cures in the die chamber; and a plurality ofliquid channel-forming features, each of the liquid channel-formingfeatures disposed within one of the die chambers and adapted to form aliquid channel in an outer surface of the associated liquid consumptiondevice when the associated uncured material cures in the die chamber.

The mold apparatus of any of paragraphs [0044]-[0048], wherein each ofthe liquid channel-forming features monolithically couples to the diewithin one of the die chambers.

The mold apparatus of any of paragraphs [0044]-[0049], wherein the dieis a first die, and further including a second die being movablerelative to the first die, the second die including the liquidchamber-forming features.

The mold apparatus of any of paragraphs [0044]-[0050], wherein thesecond die further includes a base, and the liquid chamber-formingfeatures monolithically couple to the base.

A mold apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure forforming a liquid consumption device includes: a base adapted to engage arim of a coverless container while the coverless container carries anuncured material, the base being adapted to permit the uncured materialto cure in the coverless container and thereby form the liquidconsumption device; a liquid chamber-forming feature carried by the baseand adapted to form a liquid chamber in the liquid consumption devicewhen the uncured material cures in the coverless container; and a liquidchannel-forming feature carried by the base and adapted to form a liquidchannel in an outer surface of the liquid consumption device when theuncured material cures in the coverless container.

The mold apparatus of paragraph [0052], wherein the liquidchamber-forming feature monolithically couples to the base.

The mold apparatus of any of paragraphs [0052]-[0053], wherein theliquid channel-forming feature monolithically couples to the base.

The mold apparatus of any of paragraphs [0052]-[0054], wherein the baseis a first base, and further including: a second base adapted to engagea foot of the coverless container; and a plurality of arms detachablycoupling the first base to the second base such that the first base andthe second base are adapted to securely carry the coverless containertherebetween.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawingsand detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in natureand not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line 1C-1Cof FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A and a pint glassfor performing a method according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. A liquid has been delivered to the pint glass.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A coupled to thepint glass of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A coupled to thepint glass of FIG. 2A. A liquid has been delivered to the device.

FIG. 2D is a top view of the device and the pint glass of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 2E is a section view of the device and the pint glass along line2E-2E of FIG. 2D.

FIG. 3A is a section view of the device and the pint glass along line2E-2E of FIG. 2D. The device and the pint glass are in a firstorientation to deliver a first liquid from the device.

FIG. 3B is a section view of the device and the pint glass along line2E-2E of FIG. 2D. The device and the pint glass are in a secondorientation to deliver a second liquid from the pint glass.

FIG. 3C is a section view of the device and the pint glass along line2E-2E of FIG. 2D. A first liquid is delivered from the device.

FIG. 3D is a section view of the device and the pint glass along line2E-2E of FIG. 2D. A second liquid is delivered from the pint glass.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A being decoupledfrom the pint glass of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 5A being decoupledfrom a pint glass.

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 5B being decoupledfrom a pint glass.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6A coupled to a mug.A liquid has been delivered to the device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6A being decoupledfrom the mug of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a detail view of a portion of the device enclosed by line8B-8B of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 8A coupled to a wineglass.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a top view of the device of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line 9C-9Cof FIG. 9B.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a top view of the device of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line10C-10C of FIG. 10B.

FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 10A and apint glass to which the device may be coupled.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 10A coupled to thepint glass of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 10A coupled to thepint glass of FIG. 11A after receiving a first liquid in the device.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 12A coupled to amug.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13B is a detail view of a portion of the device enclosed by line13A-13A of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 13A coupled to awine glass.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14B is a top view of the device of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line14C-14C of FIG. 14B.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15B is a top view of the device of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line15C-15C of FIG. 15B.

FIG. 15D is a detail view of a portion of the device enclosed by line15D-15D of FIG. 15C.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 15A and an opened,pre-filled can for performing a method according to another embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 15A coupled to thecan of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 15A coupled to thecan of FIG. 16A. A liquid has been delivered to the device.

FIG. 16D is a top view of the device and the can of FIG. 16C.

FIG. 16E is a section view of the device and the can along line 16E-16Eof FIG. 16D.

FIG. 16F is a detail view of a portion of the device and the canenclosed by line 16F-16F of FIG. 16E.

FIG. 17A is a section view of the device and the can along line 16E-16Eof FIG. 16D. The device and the can are in a first orientation todeliver a first liquid from the device.

FIG. 17B is a section view of the device and the can along line 16E-16Eof FIG. 16D. The device and the can are in a second orientation todeliver a second liquid from the can.

FIG. 17C is a section view of the device and the can along line 16E-16Eof FIG. 16D. A first liquid is delivered from the device.

FIG. 17D is a section view of the device and the can along line 16E-16Eof FIG. 16D. A second liquid is delivered from the can.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 18B is a top view of the device of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line18C-18C of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 18D is a perspective longitudinal sectional view of the devicealong line 18C-18C of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 18E is a perspective sectional view of the device along line18E-18E of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 18F is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18G is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of the device alongline 18C-18C of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 18H is a longitudinal sectional view of an upper portion of thedevice of FIG. 18A along line 18C-18C of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 18I is a longitudinal sectional view of a first inner portion ofthe device of FIG. 18A along line 18C-18C of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 18J is a longitudinal sectional view of a second inner portion ofthe device of FIG. 18A along line 18C-18C of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 18K is a longitudinal sectional view of an outer portion of thedevice of FIG. 18A along line 18C-18C of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 18L is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower portion of thedevice of FIG. 18A along line 18C-18C of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 18A and varioustypes of liquid containers that may be coupled to the device.

FIG. 20A is a top view of the device of FIG. 18A carrying a first liquidand coupled to a coverless container carrying a second liquid.

FIG. 20B is a longitudinal sectional view of the device and thecoverless container along line 20B-20B of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A is a top view of the device of FIG. 18A carrying a first liquidand coupled to a pry-off capped container carrying a second liquid.

FIG. 21B is a longitudinal sectional view of the device and the pry-offcapped container along line 21B-21B of FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22A is a top view of the device of FIG. 18A carrying a first liquidand coupled to a twist-off capped container carrying a second liquid.

FIG. 22B is a longitudinal sectional view of the device and thetwist-off capped container along line 22B-22B of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23A is a top view of the device of FIG. 18A carrying a first liquidand coupled to a tab-opened container carrying a second liquid.

FIG. 23B is a longitudinal sectional view of the device and thetab-opened container along line 23B-23B of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 23C is a detail view of a portion of the device and the tab-openedcontainer enclosed by line 23C-23C of FIG. 23B.

FIG. 24A is a top view of the device of FIG. 18A carrying a first liquidand coupled to a tab-opened container carrying a second liquid.

FIG. 24B is a longitudinal sectional view of the device and thetab-opened container along line 24B-24B of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24C is a detail view of a portion of the device and the tab-openedcontainer enclosed by line 24C-24C of FIG. 24B.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 25B is a top view of the device of FIG. 25A.

FIG. 25C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line25C-25C of FIG. 25B.

FIG. 26A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 26B is a top view of the device of FIG. 26A.

FIG. 26C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line26C-26C of FIG. 26B.

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 27B is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 28B is a top view of the device of FIG. 28A.

FIG. 28C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line28C-28C of FIG. 28A with an adapter of the device shown in a firstposition.

FIG. 28D is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line28D-28D of FIG. 28A with the adapter shown in a second position.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 28A andvarious types of liquid containers that may be coupled to the device.

FIG. 30A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 30B is a top view of the device of FIG. 30A.

FIG. 30C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line30C-30C of FIG. 30B.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 30A and varioustypes of liquid containers that may be coupled to the device.

FIG. 32A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 32B is a top view of the device of FIG. 32A.

FIG. 32C is a longitudinal sectional view of the device along line32C-32C of FIG. 32B.

FIG. 32D is a detail view of a portion of the device enclosed by line32D-32D of FIG. 32C.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 32A and varioustypes of liquid containers that may be coupled to the device.

FIG. 34A is a perspective view of a device for facilitating consumptionof a plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 34B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 34A coupled to acontainer.

FIG. 34C is a partial perspective view of the device and container ofFIG. 34B. A cover is being detached from the device to expose a firstliquid carried by the device.

FIG. 35A is a perspective view of a stack of devices for facilitatingconsumption of a plurality of liquids, according to another embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 35B is a top view of the stack of devices of FIG. 35A.

FIG. 35C is a longitudinal sectional view of the stack of devices alongline 35C-35C of FIG. 35B.

FIG. 36A is an upper perspective view of a mold apparatus for formingdevices for facilitating consumption of a plurality of liquids,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 36B is a lower perspective view of the mold apparatus of FIG. 36A.

FIG. 36C is an upper exploded perspective view of the mold apparatus ofFIG. 36A and a device formed by the mold apparatus.

FIG. 36D is a bottom view of the mold apparatus of FIG. 36A.

FIG. 36E is a longitudinal sectional view of the mold apparatus alongline 36D-36D of FIG. 36D.

FIG. 37A is an upper perspective view of a mold apparatus for formingdevices for facilitating consumption of a plurality of liquids,according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 37B is a lower perspective view of the mold apparatus of FIG. 37A.

FIG. 37C is an upper exploded perspective view of the mold apparatus ofFIG. 37A and a plurality of devices formed by the mold apparatus.

FIG. 38A is an upper exploded perspective view of a mold apparatus and acoverless container for forming a device for facilitating consumption ofa plurality of liquids, according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 38B is an upper perspective view of the mold apparatus and thecoverless container of FIG. 38A.

FIG. 38C is an upper perspective view of the coverless container of FIG.38A carrying a device for facilitating consumption of a plurality ofliquids.

It should be understood that the drawings are intended to facilitateunderstanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are notnecessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods according to embodiments of the disclosurefacilitate consumption of a plurality of liquids, such as a first liquidfollowed by a second liquid. The first liquid may be a relatively harshliquid and the second liquid may be a relatively mild liquid. Examplesof relatively harsh liquids include distilled beverages, flavoreddistilled spirits, other liquids including alcohol, wheatgrass, liquidsupplements, liquid vitamins, liquid medication, espresso, or the like.Examples of relatively mild liquids include beer, soft drinks, juices,“energy” drinks, coffee, tea, or the like. In some embodiments, arelatively harsh liquid has a relatively high alcohol content and arelatively mild liquid has relatively low alcohol content or lacksalcohol. In some embodiments, a relatively harsh liquid has a relativelydominant taste profile and a relatively mild liquid has a less dominanttaste profile. As used herein, the term “taste profile” refers to thesensation of taste, which includes sweetness, sourness, saltiness,bitterness, and umami. In some embodiments, a relatively harsh liquidhas a less desirable flavor profile and a relatively mild liquid has amore desirable flavor profile. As used herein, the term “flavor profile”refers to the sensory impression obtained via taste and smell. In someembodiments, a relatively harsh liquid has a higher concentration ofdissolved solids and a relatively mild liquid has a lower concentrationof dissolved solids.

Devices and methods according to embodiments of the disclosure may beused together with one or more types of liquid containers. Examples ofsuch containers include coverless containers, twist-off cappedcontainers, pry-off capped containers, and tab-opened containers. Asused herein, the term “coverless container” refers to a container thatlacks a structure that is monolithically coupled to the container'ssidewall(s) and overlies the container's liquid chamber, therebydefining an opening that permits flow therethrough. Examples ofcoverless containers include glassware (such as beer steins, pintglasses, pilsner glasses, pony glasses, yard glasses, or the like),stemware (such as chalices, champagne flutes, cocktail glasses,hurricane glasses, margarita glasses, sherry glasses, snifters, wineglasses, or the like), tumblers (such as Collins glasses, highballglasses, lowball glasses, table glasses, whiskey glasses or the like)and other drinkware (such as beakers, cups, mugs, jars, repurposedlaboratory glassware, or the like). As used herein, the term “twist-offcapped container” refers to a container that includes a cover or “cap”that is detached from the container by rotating the cover about an axisthat is perpendicular to an opening obscured by the cover, therebypermitting flow through the opening. Twist-off capped containerstypically take the form of bottles. As used herein, the term “pry-offcapped container” refers to a container that includes a cover or “cap”that is detached from the container by pivoting the cover about an axisthat is parallel to an opening obscured by the cover, thereby permittingflow through the opening. Examples of pry-off capped containers includecontainers having crown corks, bottle clasps, bottle closers, easy pullbottle caps, pull-off bottle caps, flip-tops, cork stoppers, glassstoppers, rubber stoppers, or the like. As used herein, the term“tab-opened container” refers to a container that includes a lever or“tab” that is pivoted about an axis that is parallel to an opening topivot a cover obscuring the opening into the container's chamber,thereby permitting flow through the opening. Tab-opened containerstypically take the form of cans including pull-tabs, stay-on-tabs, widemouths openings, sustainable beverage ends, press buttons, full apertureends, or the like.

As used herein, the term “cure” refers to processes by which liquidschange to solids. Such processes include, for example, freezing a liquidto form a solid, permitting a liquid with dissolved gelatin to set andform a gelatinous solid, heating a batter to set and form a cake, or thelike.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary device100 for facilitating consumption of a plurality of liquids when coupledto a liquid container (specifically, in this example, a coverlesscontainer). Generally, the device 100 includes a body 102 that isillustratively shown as a unitary component. In other embodiments,however, the body may be formed as two or more distinct components thatare coupled to one another.

The body 102 defines a brim 104 that illustratively includes a curvedshape (see FIG. 1C). In other embodiments, the brim 104 may have aplanar shape or a non-curved shape. Illustratively, the brim 104 has anangular width about a longitudinal axis 106 of the device 100 ofsubstantially 270 degrees (that is, 270 degrees within ±5 degrees). Inother embodiments, the brim may have other angular widths about thelongitudinal axis 106.

The brim 104 partially extends about and is coupled to a first liquidchamber 108. The first liquid chamber 108 is adapted to carry a firstliquid, which may be, for example, any of the relatively harsh liquidsdescribed herein. The first liquid chamber 108 includes an open end 110that facilitates (1) receiving the first liquid in the first liquidchamber 108 (for example, filling the first liquid chamber 108 with thefirst liquid), and (2) delivering the first liquid from the first liquidchamber 108 (for example, facilitating pouring of the first liquid fromthe first liquid chamber 108 and consumption of the first liquid by adevice user). Illustratively, the first liquid chamber 108 may beconcentrically disposed relative to the brim 104. Stated another way,the first liquid chamber 108 and the brim 104 may share a commonlongitudinal axis 106.

Illustratively, the first liquid chamber 108 tapers inwardly proceedingaway from the open end 110. The first liquid chamber 108 may taper atvarious angles relative to the longitudinal axis 106. In someembodiments and as described in further detail below in connection withFIGS. 3C and 3D, the first liquid chamber 108 may taper at an angle thatdepends on the dimensions of the coverless container with which thedevice 100 is to be used. In other embodiments, the first liquid chamberdoes not taper and instead includes a conical shape. Illustratively, thefirst liquid chamber 108 has a domed shape opposite the open end 110. Inother embodiments, the first liquid chamber has other curved shapes or aplanar shape opposite the open end.

The first liquid chamber 108 may have any of various appropriatecapacities or volumes. In some embodiments, the first liquid chamber 108has the capacity to receive a single or double shot, according to theindependent standards set forth by any of various countries, in order tomaintain consistency, simplify preparation, and/or reduce over-pouring.For example, in the United States, the standard volume of a single shotis 1.5 fl. oz. (44.4 ml) and, in Australia, the standard volume of asingle shot is 1.0 fl. oz. (29.6 ml). In some embodiments, the firstliquid chamber 108 has a volume of substantially 1.5 fl. oz. (44.4 ml)(as used herein with regard to volumes, the term “substantially” isunderstood to refer to the nominal value within ±10 percent). In someembodiments, the first liquid chamber 108 has a volume of substantially1.0 fl. oz. (29.6 ml). In some embodiments, the first liquid chamber 108has a volume of substantially 3.0 fl. oz. (88.7 ml). In someembodiments, the first liquid chamber 108 has the capacity to receive aless-than-standard shot volume. Such embodiments may appeal to resellersinterested in increasing their per-sale profit margins while maintainingthe appearance that customers are receiving a standard drink volume.

The body 102 also defines an outer surface 112 that is coupled to thebrim 104 opposite the first liquid chamber 108. As described in furtherdetail below, the outer surface 112 acts as an attachment element forcoupling the device 100 to a coverless container. Specifically, theouter surface 112 is adapted to press-fittingly engage an inner surfaceof a coverless container to detachably secure the device 100 to thecoverless container. Accordingly, the outer surface 112 may have a shapethat is the partial inverse of the shape of the inner surface of thecoverless container. Illustratively, the outer surface 112 tapersinwardly proceeding away from the brim 104 to facilitate use with“tapering-down” coverless containers (for example, 16 fl. oz. (473 ml)pint glasses). In other embodiments and as described in further detailbelow, the outer surface may taper outwardly proceeding away from thebrim (to facilitate use with “tapering-up” coverless containers, such as“wine” glasses), or the outer surface may have a semi-cylindrical shape(that is, a non-tapering shape, to facilitate use with non-taperingcoverless containers, such as “coffee” mugs). Illustratively, the outersurface 112 may be substantially concentrically disposed relative to thefirst liquid chamber 108. That is, the outer surface 112 may have asemi-circular cross-sectional shape, the first liquid chamber 108 mayhave a circular cross-sectional shape, and the semi-circularcross-sectional shape may be substantially concentrically disposedrelative to the circular cross-sectional shape (as used herein withregard to concentricity, the term “substantially” is understood to meanconcentric within 0.25 inches). Stated another way, the outer surface112 and the first liquid chamber 108 may share the longitudinal axis106. Alternatively, and in other embodiments, the first liquid chamber108 may be offset from the shared longitudinal axis 106, with the outeredge of the first liquid chamber 108 disposed proximate the outer edgeof the brim 104. Stated another way, the outer diameter of the firstliquid chamber 108 may alternatively be disposed tangentially about theouter diameter of the brim 104 and proximate the outer surface 112. Suchan alternative structure could provide a closer proximity of the firstliquid chamber 108 to a user's mouth (when positioned for consuming afirst liquid 210) as well as provide a greater surface area for a largerchannel 116 to be disposed thereon (allowing for greater ease of accessto a second liquid 202 when positioned for use thereinafter).

In some embodiments, the device 100 advantageously provides a relativelysecure connection to a coverless container compared to a typical coveror lid. This secure connection is facilitated by the relatively largesurface area for engaging the inner surface of the coverless containercompared to a typical cover or lid.

The body 102 further defines a lower surface 114 that is coupled to theouter surface 112 opposite the brim 104. Illustratively, the lowersurface 114 has a flat shape to facilitate freely standing the device100 with the open end 110 of the first liquid chamber 108 facing in anupward direction. In other embodiments, the lower surface has a non-flatshape, such as a curved shape or a domed shape.

The body 102 further defines a channel 116 that interrupts the outersurface 112 and extends from the brim 104 to the lower surface 114. Thechannel 116 is adapted to facilitate delivery therethrough of a secondliquid (which may be, for example, any of the relatively mild liquidsdescribed herein) carried by the coverless container. Illustratively,the channel 116 has an angular width about the longitudinal axis 106 ofsubstantially 90 degrees (that is, 90 degrees within ±5 degrees). Inother embodiments, the channel may have other angular widths about thelongitudinal axis.

Devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be usedto convert a container into a compartmented liquid container thatfacilitates consuming a first liquid (for example, any of the relativelyharsh liquids described herein) and a second liquid (for example, any ofthe relatively mild liquids described herein) therefrom. FIGS. 2A-3Billustrate an exemplary device and liquid container for consuming afirst liquid and a second liquid. The exemplary device is the device 100described above, and the exemplary liquid container is a pint glass 200.

A method begins by providing a device according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure (for example, the device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A-2A)and a liquid container (for example, a coverless container, specificallythe pint glass 200 as shown in FIG. 2A). A second liquid is thendelivered to the liquid chamber of the liquid container (for example,the second liquid 202 is delivered to the liquid chamber 204 of the pintglass 200). For example, the second liquid may be delivered via theopening or outlet of the liquid container. Various volumes of the secondliquid may be delivered to the liquid chamber of the liquid container.For example, the US standard volume of a single shot (substantially 1.5fl. oz. or 44.4 ml) of the second liquid may be delivered to the liquidchamber of the liquid container. In some embodiments, the volume of theliquid chamber of the liquid container that is occupied by the secondliquid and the device (see below) is less than the total volume of theliquid chamber of the liquid container.

Next, the device is detachably coupled to the liquid container proximatethe liquid container outlet via an attachment element of the device. Forexample and as shown specifically in FIG. 2B, the device 100 may becoupled to the liquid container by press-fittingly engaging the outersurface 112 of the device 100 against an inner surface 208 of the pintglass 200 to detachably secure the device 100 to the pint glass 200. Inaddition, the device is coupled to the liquid container such that theopen end of the device faces in the same direction as the liquidcontainer outlet. Illustratively, the open end of the device is disposedin a common plane, or nearly disposed in a common plane, with the liquidcontainer outlet.

A first liquid is then delivered to the liquid chamber of the device.For example and as shown specifically in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the firstliquid 210 may be delivered via the open end 110 to the liquid chamber108 of the device 100. Various volumes of the first liquid may bedelivered to the liquid chamber of the device. Illustratively, thevolumes of the first liquid and second liquid delivered to the deviceand liquid container, respectively, may be substantially equal (that is,equal within ±10 percent). For example, the US standard volume of asingle shot (substantially 1.5 fl. oz. or 44.4 ml) of the first liquidmay be delivered to the liquid chamber of the device.

Next, the liquid container and the device are positioned to deliver thefirst liquid from the device. More specifically, the liquid containerand the device are positioned in a first orientation in which the bodyof the device inhibits flow of the second liquid through the deviceoutlet. For example and as shown specifically in FIG. 3A, the pint glass200 and the device 100 are positioned in a first orientation in whichthe body 102 of the device 100 inhibits flow of the second liquid 202through the device outlet 206 (for example, defined by the channel 116at the brim 104). Illustratively, the liquid container and the deviceare pivoted horizontally and the device outlet is at a first elevationin the first orientation. The first elevation may be the relativemaximum elevation of the device outlet about the longitudinal axis whenthe liquid container and the device are pivoted horizontally. Statedanother way, the first elevation may be the “12 o'clock” position of thedevice outlet relative to the longitudinal axis when the liquidcontainer and the device are pivoted horizontally. In any case, the userconsumes the first liquid from the first liquid chamber while the liquidcontainer and the device are positioned in the first orientation.

The liquid container and the device are then positioned to deliver thesecond liquid from the liquid container. More specifically, the liquidcontainer and the device are positioned in a second orientation in whichthe body permits flow of the second liquid through the device outlet.For example, and as shown specifically in FIG. 3B, the pint glass 200and the device 100 are positioned in a second orientation in which thebody 102 permits flow of the second liquid 202 through the device outlet206 (for example, via the channel 116). Illustratively, the liquidcontainer and the device are pivoted horizontally and the device outletis at a second elevation in the second orientation. The second elevationmay be less than the first elevation. The second elevation may be therelative minimum elevation of the device outlet about the longitudinalaxis when the liquid container and the device are pivoted horizontally.Stated another way, the second elevation may be the “6 o'clock” positionof the device outlet relative to the longitudinal axis when the liquidcontainer and the device are pivoted horizontally. Stated another way,the liquid container and the device may be rotated by 180 degrees aboutthe longitudinal axis from the first orientation to reach the secondorientation. In any case, the user consumes the second liquid from theliquid chamber of the liquid container while the liquid container andthe device are positioned in the second orientation.

The method described above and illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3B can bemodified in various manners. For example, the device may be capable ofstanding upright (that is, with the open end facing upwardly), and thefirst liquid may be delivered to the device prior to coupling the deviceto the liquid container. In such embodiments, the device could be soldas a prefilled and sealed unit (not shown).

As another exemplary modification to the method described above andreferring to FIGS. 3C and 3D, a relatively small volume of the secondliquid (for example, a half-shot (substantially 0.75 fl. oz. or 22 ml),a quarter-shot (substantially 0.375 fl. oz. or 11 ml), or the like)could be delivered to the liquid chamber of the liquid container (forexample, the pint glass 200). Thereafter and as shown in FIGS. 3C and3D, the liquid container and the device (for example, the device 100)are positioned in an orientation in which the device and liquidcontainer deliver the first liquid, and thereafter, the second liquid,therefrom. Illustratively, the liquid container and the device arepivoted horizontally and the device outlet is at the second elevation,described above, in the orientation. In the orientation, the device doesnot inhibit flow of the second liquid through the device outlet.Instead, the first liquid is delivered first, and the second liquid isdelivered thereafter due to the relatively small volume of the secondliquid contained in the liquid container. Furthermore, and as describedbriefly above, the taper angle of the first liquid chamber of the deviceand the dimensions of the coverless container may facilitate deliveringthe first liquid and the second liquid in the manner shown in FIGS. 3Cand 3D. That is, the first liquid chamber of the device may taper at anangle that is greater than that of the liquid chamber of the coverlesscontainer to facilitate delivery of the first liquid prior to deliveryof the second liquid. As such, the coverless container and the devicemay require less pivoting to deliver the first liquid (for example,pivoting to an angle between vertical and horizontal) and more pivotingto deliver the second liquid (for example, pivoting to horizontal). Thismay provide additional control over the method of consumption of thefirst and second liquids.

The method described above may include subsequently detaching the devicefrom the liquid container. For example and as shown in FIG. 4, thedevice 100 may be decoupled from the pint glass 200 by pulling thedevice 100 and the pint glass 200 in opposite directions, therebydisengaging the press fit between the outer surface 112 of the device100 and the inner surface 208 of the pint glass 200. Illustratively, aportion of the body 102 defining the first liquid chamber 108 and thechannel 116 may be grasped to pull the device 100 from the pint glass200. In other embodiments, and as described in further detail below,devices include one or more removal elements that may be grasped todecouple the device from a liquid container.

FIGS. 5A and 5C illustrate an exemplary liquid consumption device 500Athat includes a removal element. The device 500A is similar to thedevice 100 described above. That is, the device 500A includes amonolithic body 502A that defines a brim 504A, a longitudinal axis 506A,a first liquid chamber 508A, an open end 510A, an outer surface 512A, alower surface 514A, and a channel 516A that may be as described inconnection with those features of the device 100. In addition, the body502A defines the removal element. The removal element may be grasped todecouple the device 500A from a liquid container (for example, acoverless container, specifically the pint glass 550A as shown in FIG.5C) after performing any of the methods described herein. As shown inthe figures, the removal element may be a tab 518A that extends radiallyoutwardly, relative to the longitudinal axis 506A, from the brim 504A.During use, the tab 518A may be disposed above the outlet of the liquidcontainer.

FIGS. 5B and 5D illustrate another exemplary liquid consumption device500B that includes a removal element. The device 500B is similar to thedevice 100 described above. That is, the device 500B includes amonolithic body 502B that defines a brim 504B, a longitudinal axis 506B,a first liquid chamber 508B, an open end 510B, an outer surface 512B, alower surface 514B, and a channel 516B that may be as described inconnection with those features of the device 100. In addition, the body502B defines the removal element. The removal element may be grasped todecouple the device 500B from a liquid container (for example, acoverless container, specifically the pint glass 550B as shown in FIG.5D) after performing any of the methods described herein. As shown inthe figures, the removal element may be a recessed surface 518B formedin the brim 504B.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 illustrate another exemplary liquid consumptiondevice 600 that includes a removal element. The device 600 is similar tothe device 100 described above. That is, the device 600 includes amonolithic body 602 that defines a brim 604, a longitudinal axis 606, afirst liquid chamber 608, an open end 610, a lower surface 614, and achannel 616 that may be as described in connection with those featuresof the device 100. The body 602 also defines an outer surface 612 havinga non-tapering shape to facilitate coupling the device 600 to anon-tapering coverless container (for example, a non-tapering item ofdrinkware, such as the “coffee” mug 700 as shown in FIG. 7). Inaddition, the body 602 defines the removal element. The removal elementmay be grasped to decouple the device 600 from the coverless containerafter performing any of the methods described herein. As shown in thefigures, the removal element may be a flange 618 that extends radiallyoutwardly, relative to the longitudinal axis 606, from the brim 604.Illustratively, the flange 618 extends outwardly from the entireperimeter of the brim 604. In other embodiments, the flange may extendoutwardly from less than the entire perimeter of the brim (that is, oneor more portions of the perimeter of the brim). During use, the flange618 may be disposed above the outlet of the liquid container.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate another exemplary liquid consumption device 800that includes a removal element. The device 800 is similar to the device100 described above. That is, the device 800 includes a monolithic body802 that defines a brim 804, a longitudinal axis 806, a first liquidchamber 808, an open end 810, a lower surface 814, and a channel 816that may be as described in connection with those features of the device100. The body 802 also defines an outer surface 812 that tapersoutwardly proceeding away from the brim 804 to facilitate coupling thedevice 800 to a “tapering-up” coverless container (for example, atapering-up item of stemware, such as the “wine” glass 850 as shown inFIG. 8C). In addition, the body 802 defines the removal element. Theremoval element may be grasped to decouple the device 800 from a liquidcontainer after performing any of the methods described herein. As shownin the figures, the removal element may be a flange 818 that extendsradially outwardly, relative to the longitudinal axis 806, from the brim804. Illustratively, the flange 818 extends outwardly from the entireperimeter of the brim 804. In other embodiments, the flange may extendoutwardly from less than the entire perimeter of the brim (that is, oneor more portions of the perimeter of the brim). During use, the flange818 may be disposed above the outlet of the liquid container.

Devices for facilitating consumption of a plurality of liquids whencoupled to coverless containers may be modified in various manners. Forexample, FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an exemplary device 900 for facilitatingconsumption of a plurality of liquids when coupled to a coverlesscontainer. The device 900 is similar to the device 100 described above.That is, the device 900 includes a monolithic body 902 that defines abrim 904, a longitudinal axis 906, a first liquid chamber 908, an openend 910, a lower surface 914, and a channel 916 that may be as describedin connection with those features of the device 100. Unlike the device100, however, an outer surface 912 of the device 900 is also disposedradially outwardly relative to the channel 916. Stated another way, thechannel 916 may be disposed internally in the body 902 and extend fromthe brim 904 to the lower surface 914. In some embodiments, the portionof the outer surface 912 disposed radially outwardly relative to thechannel 916 has a height that is less than other portions of the outersurface 912. For example and as shown in the figures, the portion of theouter surface 912 disposed radially outwardly relative to the channel916 may terminate below the brim 904. In other embodiments, the portionof the outer surface 912 disposed radially outwardly relative to thechannel 916 has the same height as other portions of the outer surface912. The device 900 may be used to perform any of the methods describedherein.

FIGS. 10A-10C and 11A-11C illustrate another exemplary device 1000 forfacilitating consumption of a plurality of liquids when coupled to acoverless container. The device 1000 is similar to the device 100described above. That is, the device 1000 includes a monolithic body1002 that defines a brim 1004, a longitudinal axis 1006, a first liquidchamber 1008, an open end 1010, and an outer surface 1012 that may be asdescribed in connection with those features of the device 100. Unlikethe device 100, however, the body 1002 includes relatively thin wallsthat define the above features, which may in turn provide the device1000 with relative flexibility and light weight. A lower surface 1014 ofthe body 1002 is defined together by the surfaces opposite the firstliquid chamber 1008 and the brim 1004. In addition, the brim 1004 andthe outer surface 1012 define a relatively short channel 1016 thatfacilitates delivery therethrough of a second liquid carried by acoverless container (for example, a pint glass 1100). The device 1000may be used to perform any of the methods described herein.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate another exemplary device 1200 forfacilitating consumption of a plurality of liquids when coupled to acoverless container. The device 1200 is similar to the device 1000described above. That is, the device 1200 includes a monolithic body1202 that defines a brim 1204, a longitudinal axis 1206, a first liquidchamber 1208, an open end 1210, a lower surface 1214, and a channel 1216that may be as described in connection with those features of the device1000. Unlike the device 1000, however, the body 1202 defines anon-tapering outer surface 1212 that facilitates coupling the device1200 to a non-tapering coverless container (for example, a non-taperingitem of drinkware, such as a “coffee” mug 1250). In addition, the body1202 defines the removal element that may be grasped to decouple thedevice 1200 from the coverless container after performing any of themethods described herein. As shown in the figures, the removal elementmay be a flange 1218 that extends radially outwardly, relative to thelongitudinal axis 1206, from the brim 1204. Illustratively, the flange1218 extends outwardly from the entire perimeter of the brim 1204. Inother embodiments, the flange may extend outwardly from less than theentire perimeter of the brim (that is, one or more portions of theperimeter of the brim). During use, the flange 1218 may be disposedabove the outlet of the liquid container.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate another exemplary device 1300 for facilitatingconsumption of a plurality of liquids when coupled to a coverlesscontainer. The device 1300 is similar to the device 1000 describedabove. That is, the device 1300 includes a monolithic body 1302 thatdefines a brim 1304, a longitudinal axis 1306, a first liquid chamber1308, an open end 1310, a lower surface 1314, and a channel 1316 thatmay be as described in connection with those features of the device1000. Unlike the device 1000, however, the body 1302 defines an outersurface 1312 that tapers outwardly proceeding away from the brim 1304 tofacilitate coupling the device 1300 to a tapering-up coverless container(for example, a tapering-up item of stemware, such as a “wine” glass1350). In addition, the body 1302 defines the removal element that maybe grasped to decouple the device 1300 from the coverless containerafter performing any of the methods described herein. As shown in thefigures, the removal element may be a flange 1318 that extends radiallyoutwardly, relative to the longitudinal axis 1306, from the brim 1304.Illustratively, the flange 1318 extends outwardly from the entireperimeter of the brim 1304. In other embodiments, the flange may extendoutwardly from less than the entire perimeter of the brim (that is, oneor more portions of the perimeter of the brim). During use, the flange1318 may be disposed above the outlet of the liquid container.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate another exemplary device 1400 for facilitatingconsumption of a plurality of liquids when coupled to a coverlesscontainer. The device 1400 is similar to the device 1000 describedabove. That is, the device 1400 includes a monolithic body 1402 thatdefines a brim 1404, a longitudinal axis 1406, a first liquid chamber1408, an open end 1410, a lower surface 1414, and a channel 1416 thatmay be as described in connection with those features of the device1000. Unlike the device 1000, however, an outer surface 1412 of thedevice 1200 is also disposed radially outwardly relative to the channel1416. Stated another way, the channel 1416 may be disposed internally inthe body 1402 and extend from the brim 1404 to the lower surface 1414.In some embodiments, the portion of the outer surface 1412 disposedradially outwardly relative to the channel 1416 has a height that isless than other portions of the outer surface 1412. For example and asshown in the figures, the portion of the outer surface 1412 disposedradially outwardly relative to the channel 1416 may terminate below thebrim 1404. In other embodiments, the portion of the outer surface 1412disposed radially outwardly relative to the channel 1416 has the sameheight as other portions of the outer surface 1412. The device 1400 maybe used to perform any of the methods described herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 15A-15D, an exemplary device 1500 for facilitatingconsumption of a plurality of liquids when coupled to a liquid containeris illustrated. Generally, the device 1500 includes a body 1502 that isillustratively shown as a unitary component. In other embodiments,however, the body may be formed as two or more distinct components thatare coupled to one another.

The body 1502 defines a brim 1504 that illustratively includes a planarshape (see FIG. 15C). In other embodiments, the brim may have a curvedor a non-curved shape. Illustratively, the brim 1504 has anuninterrupted angular width about a longitudinal axis 1506 of the device1500 of substantially 270 degrees (that is, 270 degrees within ±5degrees). In other embodiments, the brim may have other angular widthsabout the longitudinal axis.

The brim 1504 partially extends about and is coupled to a first liquidchamber 1508. The first liquid chamber 1508 is adapted to carry a firstliquid, which may be, for example, any of the relatively harsh liquidsdescribed herein. The first liquid chamber 1508 includes an open end1510 that facilitates (1) receiving the first liquid in the first liquidchamber 1508 (for example, filling the first liquid chamber 1508 withthe first liquid), and (2) delivering the first liquid from the firstliquid chamber 1508 (for example, facilitating pouring of the firstliquid from the first liquid chamber 1508 and consumption of the firstliquid by a device user). Illustratively, the first liquid chamber 1508may be substantially concentrically disposed relative to the brim 1504.Stated another way, the first liquid chamber 1508 and the brim 1504 mayshare a common longitudinal axis 1506. In other embodiments, the firstliquid chamber 1508 may be offset from the shared longitudinal axis 1506with the outer edge of the first liquid chamber 1508 being disposedproximate the outer edge of the brim 1504. Stated another way, the outerdiameter of the first liquid chamber 1508 may alternatively be disposedtangentially about the outer diameter of the brim 1504 and proximate theouter surface 1512. Such an alternative structure could provide a closerproximity of the first liquid chamber 1508 to a user's mouth (whenpositioned for consuming a first liquid) as well as provide a greatersurface area for a larger channel 1524 to be disposed about the brim1504 (allowing for greater ease of access to a second liquid whenpositioned for use thereinafter).

Illustratively, the first liquid chamber 1508 tapers inwardly proceedingaway from the open end 1510. The first liquid chamber 1508 may taper atvarious angles relative to the longitudinal axis 1506. In otherembodiments, the first liquid chamber does not taper and insteadincludes a conical shape. Illustratively, the first liquid chamber 1508has a planar shape opposite the open end 1510. In other embodiments, thefirst liquid chamber has a domed shape or other curved shapes oppositethe open end.

The first liquid chamber 1508 may have any of various appropriatecapacities or volumes. In some embodiments, the first liquid chamber hasthe capacity to receive a single or double shot, according to theindependent standards set forth by any of various countries, in order tomaintain consistency, simplify preparation, and/or reduce over-pouring.In some embodiments, the first liquid chamber 1508 has a volume ofsubstantially 1.5 fl. oz. (44.4 ml). In some embodiments, the firstliquid chamber 1508 has a volume of substantially 1.0 fl. oz. (29.6 ml).In some embodiments, the first liquid chamber 1508 has a volume ofsubstantially 3.0 fl. oz. (88.7 ml). In some embodiments, the firstliquid chamber 1508 has the capacity to receive a less-than-standardshot volume. In a similar manner to the device 100 described above, suchembodiments may appeal to resellers interested in increasing theirper-sale profit margins while maintaining the appearance that customersare receiving a standard drink volume.

The body 1502 also defines an outer surface 1512 that is coupled to thebrim 1504 opposite the first liquid chamber 1508. Illustratively, theouter surface 1512 tapers outwardly proceeding away from the brim 1504.In other embodiments, the outer surface tapers inwardly proceeding awayfrom the brim, or the outer surface has a cylindrical shape (that is, anon-tapering shape). Illustratively, the outer surface 1512 may besubstantially concentrically disposed relative to the first liquidchamber 1508. That is, the outer surface 1512 may have a circularcross-sectional shape, the first liquid chamber 1508 may have a circularcross-sectional shape, and the two circular cross-sectional shapes maybe substantially concentrically disposed relative to each other. Statedanother way, the outer surface 1512 and the first liquid chamber 1508may share the longitudinal axis 1506. In other embodiments, the outersurface 1512 may be substantially concentrically disposed relative anassociated tab-opened container, while the first liquid chamber 1508 isoffset from the longitudinal axis 1506 and disposed closer to the outersurface 1512, in order to provide the potential advantages discussedpreviously.

The body 1502 further defines a lower surface 1514 that is coupled tothe outer surface 1512 opposite the brim 1504. The lower surface 1514couples to a guide surface 1515 opposite the outer surface 1512. Theguide surface 1515 may have a shape that facilitates guiding a containerto an appropriate position for coupling to the device 1500.Illustratively, the guide surface 1515 tapers inwardly proceeding awayfrom the lower surface 1514. The guide surface 1515 couples to anattachment element opposite the lower surface 1514. The attachmentelement couples the device 1500 to a tab-opened container. Specifically,the attachment element includes a lower shoulder 1516 and an uppershoulder 1518 for engaging a rim of a tab-opened container to detachablysecure the device 1500 to the tab-opened container. Illustratively, thelower shoulder 1516 and the upper shoulder 1518 are spaced apart suchthat the rim of a tab-opened container may be disposed therebetween,thereby coupling the device to the tab-opened container. For example andreferring briefly to FIGS. 16E and 16F, the lower shoulder 1516 mayunderlie and engage a lower surface 1606 of the rim 1604 of a tab-openedcontainer, and the upper shoulder 1518 may overlie and engage an uppersurface 1608 of the rim 1604 of the tab-opened container to couple thedevice to the tab-opened container. Stated another way, the lowershoulder 1516 and the upper shoulder 1518 may engage the rim 1604 tofacilitate press-fitting engagement of the device to the tab-openedcontainer. Returning to FIGS. 15A-15D, illustratively, the lowershoulder 1516 and the upper shoulder 1518 are disposed radially inwardlyrelative to the guide surface 1515. Illustratively, the lower shoulder1516 and the upper shoulder 1518 extend around the entire perimeter ofthe inner cavity 1520. In other embodiments, the shoulders 1516 and 1518may extend around less than the entire perimeter of the inner cavity(that is, one or more portions of the perimeter of the inner cavity).

The body 1502 further defines a channel 1524 that extends from the brim1504 to the inner surface 1522. The channel 1524, together with theinner cavity 1520, is adapted to facilitate delivery therethrough of asecond liquid (which may be, for example, any of the relatively mildliquids described herein) carried by the tab-opened container.Illustratively, the channel 1524 has an angular width about thelongitudinal axis 1506 of substantially 90 degrees (that is, 90 degreeswithin ±5 degrees). In other embodiments, the channel may have otherangular widths about the longitudinal axis.

As described above, devices according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure can be used to convert a container into a compartmentedliquid container that facilitates consuming a first liquid (for example,any of the relatively harsh liquids described herein) and a secondliquid (for example, any of the relatively mild liquids describedherein) therefrom. FIGS. 16A-17D illustrate an exemplary device andliquid container for consuming a first liquid and a second liquid. Theexemplary device is the device 1500 described above, and the exemplaryliquid container is a tab-opened can 1600.

A method begins by providing a device according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure (for example, the device 1500 as shown in FIGS.15A-15D) and a liquid container (for example, a tab-opened container,specifically the tab-opened can 1600 as shown in FIG. 16A). In thepresent example, the tab-opened container is provided pre-filled with asecond liquid. The liquid chamber of the liquid container may carryvarious volumes of the second liquid. For example, the liquid chamber ofthe liquid container may carry substantially 7.5 fl. oz. or 222 ml ofthe second liquid (that is, the liquid container may be an “7.5 fl. oz.can”), substantially 8 fl. oz. or 237 ml of the second liquid (that is,the liquid container may be an “8 fl. oz. can”), substantially 8.4 fl.oz. or 250 ml of the second liquid (that is, the liquid container may bean “8.4 fl. oz. can”), substantially 12 fl. oz. or 355 ml of the secondliquid (that is, the liquid container may be a “12 fl. oz. can”),substantially 16 fl. oz. or 474 ml of the second liquid (that is, theliquid container may be a “16 fl. oz. can”), substantially 1 pint 3.2fl. oz. or 568 ml of the second liquid (that is, the liquid containermay be an “1 pint 3.2 fl. oz. can”), substantially 22 fl. oz. or 651 mlof the second liquid (that is, the liquid container may be an “22 fl.oz. can”), substantially 24 fl. oz. or 710 ml of the second liquid (thatis, the liquid container may be an “24 fl. oz. can”), substantially 25.4fl. oz. or 752 ml of the second liquid (that is, the liquid containermay be an “25.4 fl. oz. can”), substantially 32 fl. oz. or 946 ml of thesecond liquid (that is, the liquid container may be an “32 fl. oz.can”), or the like. A portion of the second liquid may be consumed fromthe liquid container prior to continuing.

Next, the device is detachably coupled to the liquid container proximatethe liquid container outlet via an attachment element of the device. Forexample and as shown specifically in FIGS. 16B, 16E, and 16F, the device1500 may be coupled to the can 1600 by detachably engaging the lowershoulder 1516 with the lower rim surface 1606 of the can 1600 and bydetachably engaging the upper shoulder 1518 with the upper rim surface1608 of the can 1600. As such, the open end 1510 and the channel 1524 ofthe device 1500 faces in the same direction as the liquid containeroutlet 1610.

In some embodiments, the device may be coupled to the liquid containerin the manner in which the device outlet is angularly aligned with theliquid container outlet of the liquid container. Stated another way, aplane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device (not shown) maybisect both the device outlet and the liquid container outlet. Forexample and as shown specifically in FIG. 16D, the channel 1524 of thedevice 1500 may be angularly aligned with the outlet 1610 of the can1600. In other embodiments, the device may be coupled to the liquidcontainer in the manner in which the device outlet is partiallyangularly aligned with the liquid container outlet of the liquidcontainer. Stated another way, the plane parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the device may intersect with a portion of the device outlet anda portion of the liquid container outlet. For example, the channel 1524of the device 1500 may be partially angularly aligned with the outlet1610 of the can 1600. In other embodiments, the device may be coupled tothe liquid container in the manner in which the device outlet isangularly offset from the liquid container outlet of the liquidcontainer. Stated another way, the plane parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the device may intersect with one of the device outlet and theliquid container outlet but not the other of the device outlet and theliquid container outlet. For example, the channel 1524 of the device1500 may be angularly offset from the outlet 1610 of the can 1600.

A first liquid is then delivered to the liquid chamber of the device.For example and as shown specifically in FIG. 16C, the first liquid 1612may be delivered via the open end 1510 to the liquid chamber 1508 of thedevice 1500. Various volumes of the first liquid may be delivered to theliquid chamber of the device. For example, the US standard volume of asingle shot (substantially 1.5 fl. oz. or 44.4 ml) of the first liquidmay be delivered to the liquid chamber of the device.

Next, the liquid container and the device are positioned to deliver thefirst liquid from the device. More specifically, the liquid containerand the device are positioned in a first orientation in which one orboth of the liquid container and the body of the device inhibit flow ofthe second liquid through the device outlet. For example and as shownspecifically in FIG. 17A, the tab-opened can 1600 and the device 1500are positioned in a first orientation in which the tab-opened can 1600and the body 1502 of the device 1500 inhibit flow of the second liquid1602 through the device outlet (for example, defined by the channel 1524at the brim 1504). Illustratively, the liquid container and the deviceare pivoted horizontally and one or both of the device outlet and theliquid container outlet are at a first elevation in the firstorientation. The first elevation may be the relative maximum elevationof one or both of the liquid container outlet and the device outletabout the longitudinal axis when the liquid container and the device arepivoted horizontally. Stated another way, the first elevation may be the“12 o'clock” position of one or both of the liquid container outlet andthe device outlet relative to the longitudinal axis when the liquidcontainer and the device are pivoted horizontally. In any case, the userconsumes the first liquid from the first liquid chamber while the liquidcontainer and the device are positioned in the first orientation.

The liquid container and the device are then positioned to deliver thesecond liquid from the liquid container. More specifically, the liquidcontainer and the device are positioned in a second orientation in whichthe body permits flow of the second liquid through the device outlet.For example and as shown specifically in FIG. 17B, the tab-opened can1600 and the device 1500 are positioned in a second orientation in whichthe body 1502 permits flow of the second liquid 1602 through the deviceoutlet (for example, defined by the channel 1524 at the brim 1504).Illustratively, the liquid container and the device are pivotedhorizontally and one or both of the device outlet and the liquidcontainer outlet are at a second elevation in the second orientation.The second elevation may be less than the first elevation. The secondelevation may be the relative minimum elevation of one or both of thedevice outlet and the liquid container outlet about the longitudinalaxis when the liquid container and the device are pivoted horizontally.Stated another way, the second elevation may be the “6 o'clock” positionof one or both of the device outlet and the liquid container outletrelative to the longitudinal axis when the liquid container and thedevice are pivoted horizontally. Stated another way, the liquidcontainer and the device may be rotated by 180 degrees about thelongitudinal axis from the first orientation to reach the secondorientation. In any case, the user consumes the second liquid from theliquid chamber of the liquid container while the liquid container andthe device are positioned in the second orientation.

In some embodiments, the liquid container outlet may be at substantiallythe same elevation in both the first orientation and the secondorientation, and the device may be pivoted about the longitudinal axisrelative to the liquid container to move from the first orientation tothe second orientation. For example, in the first orientation the liquidcontainer and the device are pivoted horizontally and the device outletis at the first elevation, as described above, and the liquid containeroutlet is at a different, relatively low elevation. The liquid containeroutlet, for example, may be substantially at the relative minimumelevation of the liquid container outlet about the longitudinal axiswhen the liquid container and the device are pivoted horizontally (thatis, the relative minimum elevation within ±45 degrees). In the secondorientation, the liquid container and the device are pivotedhorizontally and the device outlet is at the second elevation, asdescribed above, and the liquid container outlet is at substantially thesame elevation as the first orientation (that is, the same elevationwithin ±15 degrees).

The method described above and illustrated in FIGS. 16A-17B can bemodified in various manners. For example and referring to FIGS. 17C and17D, a relatively small volume of the second liquid (for example, ahalf-shot (substantially 0.75 fl. oz. or 22 ml), a quarter-shot(substantially 0.375 fl. oz. or 11 ml), or the like) could be carried bythe liquid container prior to coupling the device to the liquidcontainer (for example, the tab-opened can 1600). Thereafter and asshown in FIGS. 17C and 17D, the liquid container and the device (forexample, the device 1500) are positioned in an orientation in which thedevice and liquid container deliver the first liquid, and thereafter,the second liquid, therefrom. Illustratively, the liquid container andthe device are pivoted horizontally and the device outlet and the liquidcontainer are substantially at the second elevation, described above, inthe orientation (that is, the second orientation within ±45 degrees). Inthe orientation, the liquid container and the device do not inhibit flowof the second liquid through the device outlet. Instead, the firstliquid is delivered first, and the second liquid is delivered thereafterdue to the relatively small volume of the second liquid contained in theliquid container.

The method described above may include subsequently detaching the devicefrom the liquid container. For example, the device 1500 may be decoupledfrom the tab-opened can 1600 by pulling the device 1500 and thetab-opened can 1600 in opposite directions, thereby disengaging thelower shoulder 1516 from the lower rim surface 1606 of the can 1600 anddisengaging the upper shoulder 1518 from the upper rim surface 1608 ofthe can 1600. The device may include one or more removal elements (notshown), such as those described above, to facilitate detaching thedevice from the can 1600. Alternatively, once the user has consumed allof the second liquid 1602 from the can 1600, the assembled unit could beappropriately disposed of. A disposable option may appeal to resellersby encouraging repeat customer purchases while also reducing the cost oflabor associated with retrieving, cleaning, and storing the device 1500.

Devices according to embodiments of the disclosure may each facilitatecoupling the device to two or more different types of liquid containers.That is, generally, devices according to embodiments of the disclosuremay each include two or more attachment elements, and each of theattachment elements facilitates coupling the device to a different typeof liquid container. As such, these embodiments facilitate consumptionof a first liquid from the device and a second liquid from a variety ofliquid containers that may be coupled to the device.

FIGS. 18A-18G and 19 illustrate an exemplary device 1800 thatfacilitates consumption of a first liquid therefrom and a second liquidfrom a plurality of types of liquid containers that may be coupled tothe device. Generally, the device 1800 includes a body 1802 that isillustratively shown as a plurality of distinct components that aredetachably coupled to one another. In other embodiments, however, thebody may be formed as a unitary component. Illustratively, the distinctcomponents of the body 1802 include a lower portion 1804, an outerportion 1806, first inner portion 1808, a second inner portion 1810, andan upper portion 1812.

In some embodiments, the lower portion 1804 of the body 1802, which isshown individually in FIG. 18L, is axisymmetric about a longitudinalaxis 1814 of the device 1800, with the exception of possible indicia asdescribed below. Illustratively, the lower portion 1804 of the body 1802generally includes a shape that is similar to an inverted funnel. Thatis, the lower portion 1804 illustratively includes a relatively largeinlet 1816 that is disposed below a relatively small outlet 1818. Theinlet 1816 facilitates receiving a second liquid from a plurality oftypes of liquid containers that may be coupled to the device 1800.

Proximate the inlet 1816 and within the lower portion 1804, the lowerportion 1804 includes a first guide surface 1820. The first guidesurface 1820 may have a shape that facilitates guiding a container to anappropriate position for coupling to the device 1800. Illustratively,the first guide surface 1820 tapers inwardly proceeding away from theinlet 1816. The first guide surface 1820 couples to a first attachmentelement opposite the inlet 1816. The first attachment element is adaptedto detachably couple the device 1800 to a specific type of liquidcontainer and facilitate delivering a second liquid carried by theliquid container to the device 1800 via the inlet 1816. Illustrativelyand referring briefly to FIGS. 19 and 24A-24C, the first attachmentelement includes a first lower shoulder 1822 and a first upper shoulder1824 for detachably engaging a rim 1904 of a tab-opened container of aspecific rim size (for example, a 16 fl. oz. (473 ml) can 1902 (see FIG.19) or a 12 fl. oz. (355 ml) can). Illustratively, the first lowershoulder 1822 and the first upper shoulder 1824 are spaced apart suchthat the rim 1904 of the tab-opened container may be disposedtherebetween, thereby coupling the device 1800 to the tab-openedcontainer. For example and referring briefly to FIG. 24C, the firstlower shoulder 1822 may underlie and engage a lower surface of the rim1904 of the tab-opened container, and the first upper shoulder 1824 mayoverlie and engage an upper surface of the rim 1904 of the tab-openedcontainer to couple the device 1800 to the tab-opened container. Statedanother way, the first lower shoulder 1822 and the first upper shoulder1824 may engage the rim 1904 to facilitate press-fitting engagement ofthe device 1800 to the tab-opened container. Returning to FIGS. 18A-18G,illustratively, the first lower shoulder 1822 and the first uppershoulder 1824 are disposed radially inwardly relative to the first guidesurface 1820. Illustratively, the first lower shoulder 1822 and thefirst upper shoulder 1824 extend around the entire perimeter within thelower portion 1804. In other embodiments, the first lower shoulder 1822and the first upper shoulder 1824 may extend around less than the entireperimeter within the lower portion 1804.

The first lower shoulder 1822 and the first upper shoulder 1824 providethe first attachment element with a diameter that facilitatespress-fittingly and detachably receiving the tab-opened container. Forexample, the diameter may be substantially 2.0 in. (51 mm) (that is, 2.0in. (51 mm) within ±0.25 in. (6.4 mm)), substantially 2.1 in. (53 mm)(that is, 2.1 in. (53 mm) within ±0.25 in. (6.4 mm)), substantially 2.5in. (64 mm) (that is, 2.5 in. (64 mm) within ±0.25 in. (6.4 mm)),substantially 2.7 in. (69 mm) (that is, 2.7 in. (69 mm) within ±0.25 in.(6.4 mm)), or substantially 3.0 in. (76 mm) (that is, 3.0 in. (76 mm)within ±0.25 in. (6.4 mm)).

Above the first attachment element, the lower portion 1804 includes asecond guide surface 1828. The second guide surface 1828 may have ashape that facilitates guiding a container to an appropriate positionfor coupling to the device 1800. Illustratively, the second guidesurface 1828 tapers inwardly proceeding away from the first attachmentelement. The second guide surface 1828 couples to a second attachmentelement opposite the first attachment element. The second attachmentelement is adapted to detachably couple the device 1800 to a specifictype of liquid container and facilitate delivering a second liquidcarried by the liquid container to the device 1800 via the inlet 1816.Illustratively and referring briefly to FIGS. 19 and 23A-23C, the secondattachment element includes a second lower shoulder 1830 and a secondupper shoulder 1832 for detachably engaging a rim 1908 of a tab-openedcontainer of a specific rim size (for example, a 8.4 fl. oz. (248 ml)can 1906 (see FIG. 19)). Illustratively, the second lower shoulder 1830and the second upper shoulder 1832 are spaced apart such that the rim1908 of the tab-opened container may be disposed therebetween, therebycoupling the device 1800 to the tab-opened container. For example andreferring briefly to FIG. 23C, the second lower shoulder 1830 mayunderlie and engage a lower surface of the rim 1908 of the tab-openedcontainer, and the second upper shoulder 1832 may overlie and engage anupper surface of the rim 1908 of the tab-opened container to couple thedevice 1800 to the tab-opened container. Stated another way, the secondlower shoulder 1830 and the second upper shoulder 1832 may engage therim 1908 to facilitate press-fitting engagement of the device 1800 tothe tab-opened container. Returning to FIGS. 18A-18G, illustratively,the second lower shoulder 1830 and the second upper shoulder 1832 aredisposed radially inwardly relative to the second guide surface 1828.Illustratively, the second lower shoulder 1830 and the second uppershoulder 1832 extend around the entire perimeter within the lowerportion 1804. In other embodiments, the second lower shoulder 1830 andthe second upper shoulder 1832 may extend around less than the entireperimeter within the lower portion 1804.

The second lower shoulder 1830 and the second upper shoulder 1832provide the second attachment element with a diameter that facilitatespress-fittingly and detachably receiving the tab-opened container. Forexample, the diameter may be substantially 2.0 in. (51 mm) (that is, 2.0in. (51 mm) within ±0.25 in. (6.4 mm)), substantially 2.1 in. (53 mm)(that is, 2.1 in. (53 mm) within ±0.25 in. (6.4 mm)), substantially 2.5in. (64 mm) (that is, 2.5 in. (64 mm) within ±0.25 in. (6.4 mm)),substantially 2.7 in. (69 mm) (that is, 2.7 in. (69 mm) within ±0.25 in.(6.4 mm)), or substantially 3.0 in. (76 mm) (that is, 3.0 in. (76 mm)within ±0.25 in. (6.4 mm)).

Above the second attachment element, the lower portion 1804 of the body1802 includes a curved wall 1834 that tapers inwardly proceeding awayfrom the inlet 1816 and towards the outlet 1818. The curved wall 1834 inturn couples to the outlet 1818. The outlet 1818 press fittingly anddetachably receives the second inner portion 1810, as described infurther detail below. In other embodiments, the wall 1834 isalternatively angled, while maintaining the same overall configuration.

Proximate the inlet 1816, lower portion 1804 of the body 1802 furtherdefines a lower surface 1826. Illustratively, the lower surface 1826 hasa flat shape to facilitate freely standing the device 1800. In otherembodiments, the lower surface has a non-flat shape, such as a curvedshape or a domed shape.

Proximate the lower surface 1826, the lower portion 1804 of the body1802 couples to the outer portion 1806 of the body 1802. In someembodiments, the outer portion 1806, which is shown individually in FIG.18K, is axisymmetric about the longitudinal axis 1814. The outer portion1806 of the body 1802 defines a third attachment element. The thirdattachment element is adapted to detachably couple the device 1800 toanother specific type of liquid container and facilitate delivering asecond liquid carried by the liquid container to the device 1800 via theinlet 1816. Illustratively and referring briefly to FIGS. 19 and20A-20B, the third attachment element is an outer surface 1836 that isadapted to detachably and press-fittingly engage an inner surface of acoverless container to detachably secure the device 1800 to thecoverless container. Accordingly, the outer surface 1836 may have ashape that is the inverse of the shape of the inner surface of thecoverless container. Illustratively, the outer surface 1836 tapersinwardly proceeding away from the upper portion 1812 to facilitate usewith “tapering-down” coverless containers, such as a pint glass 1910 (asa specific example, a 16 fl. oz. (473 ml) pint glass). In otherembodiments, the outer surface may taper outwardly proceeding away fromthe upper portion (to facilitate use with “tapering-up” coverlesscontainers, such as “wine” glasses), or the outer surface may have asemi-cylindrical shape (that is, a non-tapering shape, to facilitate usewith non-tapering coverless containers, such as “coffee” mugs).

Opposite the lower portion 1804, the outer portion 1806 of the body 1802couples to the first inner portion 1808 of the body 1802. In someembodiments, the first inner portion 1808, which is shown individuallyin FIG. 18I, is axisymmetric about the longitudinal axis 1814, with theexception of possible coupling elements as described below.Illustratively, the first inner portion 1808 of the body 1802 generallyincludes a shape that is similar to a funnel. That is, the first innerportion 1808 illustratively includes a relatively small inlet 1838 thatis disposed below a relatively large outlet 1840. Proximate the outlet1840, the first inner portion 1808 may include one or more couplingelements for detachably securing the first inner portion 1808 to theupper portion 1812 of the body 1802. Illustratively, the couplingelements are four recesses 1842 that are spaced substantially 90 degrees(that is, 90 degrees within ±5 degrees) apart from each other. Below theoutlet 1840, the first inner portion 1808 includes a curved wall 1844that tapers inwardly proceeding towards the inlet 1838. Opposite theoutlet 1840, the curved wall 1844 couples to the inlet 1838. The inlet1838 press fittingly and detachably receives the second inner portion1810, as described in further detail below. In other embodiments, thewall 1844 is alternatively angled, while maintaining the same overallconfiguration.

The second inner portion 1810, which is shown individually in FIG. 18J,is also referred to herein as an “adapter”. The second inner portion1810 includes a passageway 1846 through which a second liquid may flowfrom the lower portion 1804 to the first inner portion 1808. The secondinner portion 1810 is also reversibly connectable to the lower portion1804 and the first inner portion 1808 such that the second inner portion1810 can selectively occupy a first position and a second positionrelative to the other components of the device 1800. In the firstposition, the second inner portion 1810 is disposed such that a fourthattachment element, which is described in further detail below, isproximate the outlet 1818 of the lower portion 1804 (see FIG. 1818C). Inthe second position, the second inner portion 1810 is disposed such thata fifth attachment element, which is described in further detail below,is proximate the outlet 1818 of the lower portion 1804.

In the first position, the fourth attachment element is adapted todetachably couple the device 1800 to a specific type of liquid containerand facilitate delivering a second liquid carried by the liquidcontainer to the device 1800 via the inlet 1816 of the lower portion1804. Illustratively and referring briefly to FIGS. 19 and 22A-22B, thefourth attachment element is an inner threaded surface 1848 that isadapted to detachably engage the outer threaded surface 1914 of atwist-off capped container, such as a twist-off capped bottle 1912 (as aspecific example, a 20 fl. oz. (591 ml) bottle). Illustratively, theinner threaded surface 1848 includes interrupted threads. In otherembodiments, the inner threaded surface includes continuous threads. Insome embodiments, an outer surface 1852 of the second inner portion 1810proximate the fourth attachment element includes indicia that indicatesthe specific type(s) of liquid containers to which the fourth attachmentelement may be detachably coupled (for example, “plastic bottle”).

In the second position, the fifth attachment element is adapted todetachably couple the device 1800 to a specific type of liquid containerand facilitate delivering a second liquid carried by the liquidcontainer to the device 1800 via the inlet 1816 of the lower portion1804. Illustratively and referring briefly to FIGS. 19 and 21A-21B, thefifth attachment element is a third shoulder 1850 that is adapted todetachably engage the lip 1918 at the outlet of a pry-off cappedcontainer, such as a pry-off capped bottle 1916 (as a specific example,a 16 fl. oz. (473 ml) bottle). In some embodiments, the outer surface1852 of the second inner portion 1810 proximate the fifth attachmentelement includes indicia that indicates the specific type(s) of liquidcontainers to which the fifth attachment element may be detachablycoupled (for example, “glass bottle”).

In some embodiments, the second inner portion 1810 may include one ormore selectively engageable “locking” elements that, when engaged,inhibit the second inner portion 1810 from being detached from the firstinner portion 1808 and/or the lower portion 1804 (for example, “twistlocking” elements). As shown in FIG. 18F, the second inner portion 1810includes four reversed “L-shaped” recesses 1868, two laterally disposedabove a central top plane (not shown) and two inversely disposed belowthe central top plane (not shown). Further, each recess 1868 is showndiametrically opposed to another (in each pair) about the longitudinalaxis (not shown) with the bases of the “L-shaped” recesses proximate thecentral top plane (not shown). As shown in FIG. 18G, the first innerportion 1808 includes two upright “L-shaped” projections 1870 and thelower portion 1804 includes two inverse “L-shaped” projections 1872 forengaging the reversed “L-shaped” recesses 1868 on either side of thesecond inner portion 1810. In other embodiments, the selectivelyengageable “locking” elements may be of any appropriate shape and/orconnection type.

The upper portion 1812, which is shown individually in FIG. 18H,includes a brim 1854 that illustratively includes a curved shape. Inother embodiments, the brim may have a planar shape. The brim 1854includes one or more apertures 1856 that extend through the brim 1854 todefine an outlet for delivering a second liquid from the device 1800.Illustratively, the brim 1854 includes 13 apertures 1856 that each havean angular width of substantially 6 degrees (that is, 6 degrees within±0.5 degrees) and are each offset by an angle of substantially 11.5degrees (that is, 11.5 degrees within ±0.5 degrees), although variousother configurations may be used. The brim 1854 also includes one ormore removal elements. The removal element(s) may be grasped to decouplethe device 1800 from a liquid container after performing any of themethods described herein or to detach the different components of thedevice 1800 from each other. As shown in the figures, the device 1800may illustratively include two removal elements, and the removalelements may be apertures 1858 that extend through the brim 1854.Illustratively, the brim 1854 includes 2 apertures 1858 that each havean angular width of substantially 28 degrees (that is, 28 degrees within±1 degrees) and are each offset by an angle of substantially 180 degrees(that is, 180 degrees within ±5 degrees), although various otherconfigurations may be used.

The brim 1854 may include one or more coupling elements that facilitatesecuring the upper portion 1812 to the first inner portion 1808.Illustratively, the brim 1854 includes four transversely extendingprojections 1860 that are each received in one of the recesses 1842 ofthe first inner portion 1808.

The brim 1854 partially extends about and is coupled to a first liquidchamber 1862. The first liquid chamber 1862 is adapted to carry a firstliquid, which may be, for example, any of the relatively harsh liquidsdescribed herein. The first liquid chamber 1862 includes an open end1864 that facilitates (1) receiving the first liquid in the first liquidchamber 1862 (for example, filling the first liquid chamber 1862 withthe first liquid), and (2) delivering the first liquid from the firstliquid chamber 1862 (for example, facilitating pouring of the firstliquid from the first liquid chamber 1862 and consumption of the firstliquid by a device user). Illustratively, the first liquid chamber 1862may be substantially concentrically disposed relative to the brim 1854.Stated another way, the first liquid chamber 1862 and the brim 1854 maysubstantially share the longitudinal axis 1814. Illustratively, thefirst liquid chamber 1862 may be substantially concentrically disposedrelative to the outer surface 1836 of the outer portion 1806 of the body1802. Stated another way, the first liquid chamber 1862 and the outersurface 1836 may substantially share the longitudinal axis 1814. Inother embodiments, the first liquid chamber 1862 may be offset from theshared longitudinal axis 1814 of the other portions of the device 1800,with the outer edge of the first liquid chamber 1862 disposed proximatethe outer edge of the brim 1854. Stated another way, the outer diameterof the first liquid chamber 1862 may alternatively be disposedtangentially about the outer diameter of the brim 1854 and proximate theupper portion's 1812 most lateral edge. Such an alternative structurecould provide a closer proximity of the first liquid chamber 1862 to auser's mouth (when positioned for consuming a first liquid) as well asprovide a greater surface area for larger apertures 1856 to be disposedabout the brim 1854 (allowing for greater ease of access to a secondliquid when positioned for use thereinafter).

Illustratively, the first liquid chamber 1862 tapers inwardly proceedingaway from the open end 1864. The first liquid chamber 1862 may taper atvarious angles relative to the longitudinal axis 1814. In otherembodiments, the first liquid chamber does not taper and insteadincludes a cylindrical shape. Illustratively, the first liquid chamber1862 has a domed shape opposite the open end 1864. In other embodiments,the first liquid chamber has other curved shapes or a planar shapeopposite the open end.

The first liquid chamber 1862 may have any of various appropriatecapacities or volumes. In some embodiments, the first liquid chamber1862 has the capacity to receive a single or double shot, according tothe independent standards set forth by any of various countries, inorder to maintain consistency, simplify preparation, and/or reduceover-pouring. For example, in the United States, the standard volume ofa single shot is 1.5 fl. oz. (44.4 ml) and, in Australia, the standardvolume of a single shot is 1.0 fl. oz. (29.6 ml). In some embodiments,the first liquid chamber 1862 has a volume of substantially 1.5 fl. oz.(44.4 ml). In some embodiments, the first liquid chamber 1862 has avolume of substantially 1.0 fl. oz. (29.6 ml). In some embodiments, thefirst liquid chamber 1862 has a volume of substantially 3.0 fl. oz.(88.7 ml). In some embodiments, the first liquid chamber 1862 has thecapacity to receive a less-than-standard shot volume. Such embodimentsmay appeal to resellers interested in increasing their per-sale profitmargins while maintaining the appearance that customers are receiving astandard drink volume.

Together, the lower portion 1804, the first inner portion 1808, thesecond inner portion 1810, and the upper portion 1812 define a secondliquid chamber 1866 that is configured to receive a second liquid from acoupled liquid container.

Devices that facilitate coupling to two or more different types ofliquid containers according to embodiments of the disclosure may takevarious other forms. For example, FIGS. 25A-25C illustrate a device 2500that facilitates coupling to two or more different types of liquidcontainers. The device 2500 is similar to the device 1800 describedabove. That is, the device 2500 includes a body 2502 that has a lowerportion 2504, an outer portion 2506, first inner portion 2508, and asecond inner portion 2510 that may be as described in connection withthose features of the device 1800. In addition, the body 2502 includesan upper portion 2512 that is similar to the upper portion 1812 of thedevice 1800. The upper portion 2512 includes a brim 2554 that defines aplurality of apertures 2556 that extend through the brim 2554 to definean outlet for delivering a second liquid from the device 2500. Incontrast to the brim 1854 of the device 1800, the brim 2554 includes twosets of apertures 2556 that are disposed on opposite sides of tworemoval apertures 2558. Each set of apertures 2556 includes 13 apertures2556 that each have an angular width of substantially 6 degrees (thatis, 6 degrees within ±0.5 degrees) and are each offset by an angle ofsubstantially 11.5 degrees (that is, 11.5 degrees within ±0.5 degrees).

FIGS. 26A-26C illustrate another exemplary device 2600 that facilitatescoupling to two or more different types of liquid containers. The device2600 is similar to the device 1800 described above. That is, the device2600 includes a body 2602 that has a lower portion 2604, an outerportion 2606, first inner portion 2608, and a second inner portion 2610that may be as described in connection with those features of the device1800. In addition, the body 2602 includes an upper portion 2612 that issimilar to the upper portion 1812 of the device 1800. In contrast to theupper portion 1812 of the device 1800, the upper portion 2612 includes abrim 2654 that defines a single aperture 2656 that extends through thebrim 2654 to define an outlet for delivering a second liquid from thedevice 2600. The aperture 2656 is angularly disposed between two removalapertures 2658 and has an angular width of substantially 142 degrees(that is, 142 degrees within ±5 degrees).

FIGS. 27A-27B illustrates another exemplary device 2700 that facilitatescoupling to two or more different types of liquid containers. The device2700 is similar to the device 2600 described above. That is, the device2700 includes a body 2702 that has a lower portion (not shown), a firstinner portion (not shown), a second inner portion (not shown), and anupper portion 2712 that may be as described in connection with thosefeatures of the device 2600. In addition, the body 2702 includes anouter portion 2706 that is similar to the outer portion 2606 of thedevice 2600. In contrast to the outer portion 2606 of the device 2600,the outer surface 2736 of the outer portion 2706 includes one or morediscontinuities to facilitate grasping the device and/or coupling thedevice 2700 to a coverless container. Illustratively, thediscontinuities may be a plurality of protuberances 2737. In otherembodiments, the discontinuities may be a plurality of parallel channels2738. Yet, in other embodiments, the discontinuities may have otherforms, such as a plurality of intersecting channels or protrusions (notshown).

Devices that facilitate coupling to two or more different types ofliquid containers according to embodiments of the disclosure may includefewer than the five attachment elements described above. Stateddifferently, devices according to embodiments of the disclosure mayinclude different combinations of two or more of the attachment elementsdescribed above. For example, FIGS. 28A-28C and 29 illustrate a device2800 that facilitates coupling to two different types of liquidcontainers. The device 2800 is similar to the device 1800 describedabove. That is, the device 2800 includes a body 2802 that has a firstinner portion 2808, a second inner portion 2810, and an upper portion2812 that may be as described in connection with those features of thedevice 1800. In contrast to the body 1802 of the device 1800, the body2802 lacks a lower portion and an outer portion. As such, the device2800 facilitates coupling to a twist-off capped container, such as atwist-off capped bottle 2912 (as a specific example, a 20 fl. oz. (591ml) bottle) via a first attachment element (illustratively, an innerthreaded surface 2848) of the second inner portion 2810. The device 2800also facilitates coupling to a pry-off capped container, such as apry-off capped bottle 2916 (as a specific example, a 16 fl. oz. (473 ml)bottle) via a second attachment element (illustratively, a shoulder2850) of the second inner portion 2810.

FIGS. 30A-30C and 31 illustrate a device 3000 that facilitates couplingto two different types of liquid containers. The device 3000 is similarto the device 1800 described above. That is, the device 3000 includes abody 3002 that has an upper portion 3012 that may be as described inconnection with the upper portion 1812 of the device 1800. In contrastto the body 1802 of the device 1800, the body 3002 lacks a first innerportion and a second inner portion.

Further, the body 3002 includes a lower portion 3004 that has somefeatures that are similar to those of the lower portion 1804 and theouter portion 1806 of the device 1800. Specifically, proximate an inlet3016 the lower portion 3004 of the body 3002 includes a first attachmentelement, which may take the form of the first attachment element of thedevice 1800. However, the lower portion 3004 of the device 3000 lacksthe second attachment element like that of the device 1800.

Proximate the inlet 3016, lower portion 3004 of the body 3002 furtherdefines a lower surface 3026. Illustratively, the lower surface 3026 hasa flat shape to facilitate freely standing the device 3000. In otherembodiments, the lower surface has a non-flat shape, such as a curvedshape or a domed shape.

The lower surface 3026 couples to an outer wall 3027 of the lowerportion 3004. In some embodiments, the outer wall 3027 is axisymmetricabout the longitudinal axis 3014. The outer wall 3027 of the lowerportion 3004 defines a second attachment element. The second attachmentelement is adapted to detachably couple the device 3000 to anotherspecific type of liquid container and facilitate delivering a secondliquid carried by the liquid container to the device 3000 via the inlet3016. Illustratively, the second attachment element is an outer surface3036 of the outer wall 3027 that is adapted to detachably andpress-fittingly engage an inner surface of a coverless container todetachably secure the device 3000 to the coverless container.Accordingly, the outer surface 3036 may have a shape that is the inverseof the shape of the inner surface of the coverless container.Illustratively, the outer surface 3036 tapers inwardly proceeding awayfrom the upper portion 3012 to facilitate use with “tapering-down”coverless containers, such as a pint glass 3110 (as a specific example,a 16 fl. oz. (473 ml) pint glass). In other embodiments, the outersurface may taper outwardly proceeding away from the upper portion (tofacilitate use with “tapering-up” coverless containers, such as “wine”glasses), or the outer surface may have a semi-cylindrical shape (thatis, a non-tapering shape, to facilitate use with non-tapering coverlesscontainers, such as “coffee” mugs).

FIGS. 32A-32D and 33 illustrate a device 3200 that facilitates couplingto two different types of liquid containers. The device 3200 is similarto the device 1500 described above. That is, the device 3200 includes abody 3202 that has a brim 3204, a longitudinal axis 3206, a first liquidchamber 3208, an open end 3210, an outer surface 3212, a lower surface3214, a guide surface 3215, a lower shoulder 3216 and a upper shoulder3218 that define an attachment element, an inner cavity 3220, an innersurface 3222, and a channel 3224 that may be as described in connectionwith those features of the device 1500. In addition, the body 3202 alsoincludes a second guide surface 3226 that couples to the firstattachment element opposite the first guide surface 3215.Illustratively, the guide surface 3215 tapers inwardly proceeding awayfrom the first attachment element. The second guide surface 3226 couplesto a second attachment element opposite the first attachment element.The second attachment element couples the device 3200 to a differenttype of tab-opened container that the first attachment element.Specifically, the second attachment element includes a second lowershoulder 3228 and a second upper shoulder 3230 for engaging a rim of atab-opened container therebetween to detachably secure the device 3200to the tab-opened container. The second attachment element may have asize that is suitable for detachably coupling the device 3200 to a can3300 having a relatively-small rim diameter, and the first attachmentelement may have a size that is suitable for detachably coupling thedevice 3200 to a can 3302 having a relatively-large rim diameter.

Devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be soldor otherwise provided to users with the first liquid chamber alreadycarrying a first liquid. In such embodiments, the brim of the device mayalso carry a detachable cover that inhibits the first liquid fromexiting the first liquid chamber prior to detachment of the cover andsubsequent consumption of the first liquid by a user.

FIGS. 34A-34C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a device 3400 thatincludes a detachable cover. The device 3400 is similar to the device3200 described above. That is, the device 3400 includes a body 3402 thathas a brim 3404, a longitudinal axis (not shown), a first liquid chamber3408, an open end 3410, an outer surface 3412, a lower surface (notshown), a first attachment element, a second attachment element, aninner cavity (not shown), an inner surface (not shown), and a channel3424 that may be as described in connection with those features of thedevice 3200. In addition, the brim 3404 of the device 3400 carries adetachable cover 3450 that inhibits the first liquid 3420 from exitingthe first liquid chamber 3408 prior to detachment of the cover 3450 andsubsequent consumption of the first liquid 3420 by a user. The cover3450 may be detachably coupled to the brim 3404 in a variety of manners(for example, via one or more adhesives). In such embodiments, thedevice 3400 could be sold as a prefilled and sealed unit. Suchembodiments may appeal to resellers who are interested in reducing thenumber of steps required for drink preparation. Moreover, a prefilledand sealed unit could be removably attached to the top of an associatedliquid container and sold as a bundle in an effort to increase overallsales volume per customer.

Devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may bestacked or stackably coupled to adjacent devices. For example, FIGS.35A-35C illustrate a stack 3500 of the devices 3200. Illustratively, thebody 3202 of each device 3200 is partially received within the innercavity 3220 of an adjacent (typically overlying) device 3200. In suchembodiments, the stack 3500 of devices 3200 could be sold as a packagedbundle. Such embodiments may appeal to manufacturers as well asresellers who are interested in reducing the costs associated withshipping, storage, and/or display.

Mold apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosurereceive one or more uncured materials and permit the material(s) to curetherein and thereby form one or more liquid consumption devices. In someembodiments, uncured materials that are received by mold apparatuses areconsumable materials. For example, the mold apparatus may receive waterthat is frozen to form ice devices. As another example, mold apparatusesmay receive liquids with dissolved gelatin that is cooled to formgelatinous devices. As yet another example, mold apparatuses may receivebatter that is heated to form cake devices. Other examples of consumablematerials that mold apparatuses may receive to form liquid consumptiondevices are described herein. In other embodiments, uncured materialsthat are received by mold apparatuses are non-consumable materials.

FIGS. 36A-36C illustrate an embodiment of a mold apparatus 3600 forforming devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Themold apparatus 3600 is suitable for forming a device 100 describedabove. However, mold apparatuses according to other embodiments of thedisclosure may be suitable for forming other embodiments of devicesdescribed herein, or portions thereof.

The mold apparatus 3600 includes a first die 3602 and a second die 3604,which is a distinct component and movable relative to the first die3602. The first die 3602 and the second die 3604 include surfaces thattogether define the inverse shape of the device 100. Specifically, thefirst die 3602 includes a first base 3606 that carries a liquidchamber-forming feature 3608. As the name implies, the liquidchamber-forming feature 3608 forms a liquid chamber in the device 100when uncured material cures in the mold apparatus 3600. Illustratively,the liquid chamber-forming feature 3608 is an inverted, semi-sphericaltipped cone that forms the first liquid chamber 108 of the device 100.The liquid chamber-forming feature 3608 may be monolithically coupled tothe first base 3606 or a distinct component from the first base 3606.

The second die 3604 includes a second base 3610 that defines a diechamber 3612 that receives uncured material. The die chamber 3612 alsoreceives the liquid chamber-forming feature 3608 of the first die 3602.The second die 3604 includes an opening 3613 through which liquid may bepoured when the dies are coupled together. In addition, the chamber 3612carries a liquid channel-forming feature 3614. As the name implies, theliquid channel-forming feature 3614 forms the channel 116 of the device100 when the uncured material cures in the die chamber 3612.Illustratively, the liquid channel-forming feature 3614 is athree-dimensional arc that forms the channel 116 in the outer surface112 of the device 100. The liquid channel-forming feature 3614 may bemonolithically coupled to the second base 3610 or a distinct componentfrom the second base 3610.

FIGS. 37A-37C illustrate an embodiment of a mold apparatus 3700 forforming devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Themold apparatus 3700 is suitable for forming a plurality of the devices100 described above (illustratively, four devices 100). However, moldapparatuses according to other embodiments of the disclosure may besuitable for forming other embodiments of devices described herein, orportions thereof.

The mold apparatus 3700 includes a first die 3702 and a second die 3704,which is a distinct component and movable relative to the first die3702. The first die 3702 and the second die 3704 include surfaces thattogether define the inverse shape of a plurality of the devices 100.Specifically, the first die 3702 includes a first base 3706 that carriesa plurality of liquid chamber-forming features 3708. As the nameimplies, the liquid chamber-forming features 3708 each form a liquidchamber in an associated device 100 when uncured material cures in themold apparatus 3700. Illustratively, the liquid chamber-forming features3708 are four inverted, semi-spherical tipped cones that each form thefirst liquid chamber 108 of an associated device 100. The liquidchamber-forming features 3708 may be monolithically coupled to the firstbase 3706 or distinct components from the first base 3706.

The second die 3704 includes a second base 3710 that defines a pluralityof die chambers 3712 (illustratively, four die chambers 3712) thatreceive uncured material. Each die chamber 3712 also receives anassociated liquid chamber-forming feature 3708 of the first die 3702.Each die chamber 3712 may be coupled to an opening through which liquidmay be poured when the dies are coupled together. In addition, each diechamber 3712 carries a liquid channel-forming feature 3714. As the nameimplies, the liquid channel-forming features 3714 each form a channel ofan associated device 100 when the uncured material cures in the diechamber 3712. Illustratively, the liquid channel-forming features 3714are four three-dimensional arcs that each form the channel 116 in theouter surface 112 of an associated device 100. The liquidchannel-forming features 3714 may be monolithically coupled to thesecond base 3710 or distinct components from the second base 3710.

Mold apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure maybe used together with one or more coverless containers, which eachsubsequently carry a second liquid, to receive one or more uncuredmaterials and permit the material(s) to cure therein and thereby formone or more liquid consumption devices.

FIGS. 38A-38C illustrate an embodiment of a mold apparatus 3800 that isused with a coverless container (illustratively, a “wine” glass) forforming devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.Illustratively, the mold apparatus 3800 is suitable for forming thedevice 800 described above within the coverless container. However, moldapparatuses according to other embodiments of the disclosure may besuitable for forming other embodiments of devices described herein, orportions thereof.

The mold apparatus 3800 includes a first base 3802, a second base 3804,and a plurality of arms 3806 that detachably couple the first base 3802and the second base 3804. The first base 3802 engages the rim of thecoverless container and carries the coverless container in an invertedposition while the coverless container carries an uncured material. Thematerial cures while the first base 3802 carries the coverless containerin the inverted position and thereby forms the device 800 within thecoverless container. In addition, the first base 3802 carries featuresthat form the inverse shapes in the device 800. Specifically, the firstbase 3802 carries a liquid chamber-forming feature 3808 that forms aliquid chamber in the device 800 when the uncured material cures in thecoverless container. Illustratively, the liquid chamber-forming feature3808 is a semi-spherical tipped cone that forms the first liquid chamber808 of the device 800. The liquid chamber-forming feature 3808 may bemonolithically coupled to the first base 3802 or a distinct componentfrom the first base 3802. The first base 3802 also carries a liquidchannel-forming feature 3810 that forms a liquid channel in an outersurface of the device 800 when the uncured material cures in thecoverless container. Illustratively, the liquid channel-forming feature3810 is a three-dimensional arc that forms the channel 816 in the outersurface 812 of the device 800. The liquid channel-forming feature 3810may be monolithically coupled to the first base 3802 or a distinctcomponent from the first base 3802. The second base 3804 is adapted toengage the foot of the coverless container. The arms 3806 detachablycouple the first base 3802 to the second base 3804 to secure thecoverless container therebetween.

Mold apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure maybe modified in various manners. For example, a mold apparatus accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure may be similar to the moldapparatus 3800, except the mold apparatus may simultaneously carrymultiple coverless containers and include a liquid chamber-formingfeature and a liquid channel-forming feature for each coverlesscontainer.

Embodiments of devices according to the present disclosure may includeone or more illumination devices, or light-emitting devices, to provideaesthetically pleasing visual effects. In some embodiments, suchillumination devices may be selectively activated by a user. In someembodiments, such illumination devices may be activated based on inputfrom the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, such illuminationdevices may be as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,211,958 and may work incoordination with a projection system, such as those described in U.S.Pat. No. 8,740,391, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Liquid consumption devices and mold apparatuses according to embodimentsof the present disclosure may be formed of materials that facilitatemultiple uses thereof (that is, provide reusable devices and moldapparatuses) or a single use thereof (that is, provide disposabledevices and mold apparatuses). For example, liquid consumption devicesand mold apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosuremay be formed of one or more of polymers, composites, ceramics, puremetals, and metal alloys. Examples of polymers include acrylic,acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polylactic acid (PLA),polybenzimidazole (PBI), polycarbonate (PC), polyether sulfone (PES),high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyburylene, polyethylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, polystyrene, extruded polystyrene foam (XPF),polyvinylchloride (PVC), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR),urea-formaldehyde, or the like. Examples of composites include paper,paperboard, corrugated fiberboard, paper slurry, cork, wood, carbonfiber, glass reinforced plastic (GRP), or the like. Examples of ceramicsinclude glass, porcelain, crystal, marble, earthenware, stoneware, orthe like. Examples of pure metals and metal alloys include aluminum,brass, bronze, copper, steel, silver, gold or the like. In someembodiments, disposable liquid consumption devices for use with“tapering-up” coverless containers (for example, the device 800 andstemware, such as the “wine” glass 850) may be formed of one or morematerials having elastic properties. Such materials permit deformationto facilitate positioning a device in a coverless container. Thereafter,the materials also cause the device to return to its initial shape toengage the inner surface of the coverless container. Examples ofmaterials having elastic properties include low-resilience polyurethanefoam (LRPu), neoprene, sponge rubber, or the like.

In some embodiments, liquid consumption devices according to the presentdisclosure may be formed of one or more consumable materials tofacilitate consumption of a plurality of liquids and, thereafter, thedevice itself. Consumable liquid consumption devices according toembodiments of the present disclosure may be formed of one or more ofice, frozen confections, gel confections, chocolate confections, sugarconfections, bakers' confections, or the like. Ice may be used, forexample, for receiving and delivering first liquids that are typicallyserved at relatively low temperatures (for example, vodka, Jagermeister,peppermint schnapps, iced coffee, beer, chardonnay, orange juice, or thelike). Examples of frozen confections include flavored ice, popsicles,frozen yogurt, ice cream, sorbet, gelato, Italian ice or the like.Examples of gel confections include sweetened and flavored gelatin,pre-mixed gelatin, liquor- or spirit-based gelatin, trifle, aspic,marshmallow, or the like. Examples of chocolate confections includechocolate-coated fruit, chocolate fudge, chocolate truffles, chocolateturtles, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, peanut buttercups, or the like. Examples of sugar confections include brittles,caramels, chewing gum, hard candies, licorice, mints, taffies, toffies,or the like. Examples of bakers' confections include brownies, cakes,cookies, doughnuts, pastries, pies, scones, or the like.

In addition to or as alternatives to the manufacturing processesdescribed above, liquid consumption devices and mold apparatusesaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure may be manufacturedby using one or more of casting, molding, metal forming, joining,subtractive manufacturing (for example, machining) or additivemanufacturing (for example, 3D printing). Examples of casting processesinclude centrifugal casting, die-casting, lost-wax casting, lost-foamcasting, permanent mold casting, slipcasting, resin casting, or thelike. Examples of molding processes include injection molding,compression molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, rotationalmolding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, or the like. Examples of metalforming processes include bending, curling, forging, hydroforming, rollforming, die pressing, die stamping, indenting, or the like. Examples ofjoining processes include welding, sintering, adhesive bonding,fastening, press fitting or the like. Examples of subtractivemanufacturing processes include milling, turning, drilling, tapping, diecutting, routing, laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, orthe like. Examples of additive manufacturing processes include fusedfilament fabrication (FFF), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selectivelaser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA), or the like.

In some embodiments, consumable liquid consumption devices according tothe present disclosure may be manufactured by using one or more ofcasting, cooking, baking, freezing, additive manufacturing (for example,3D printing), or the like. Additional manufacturing processes that maybe used following the above processes include glazing, frosting,dipping, or the like (for example, if the device is formed as a cake, orto add a solid layer to inhibit absorption of a contained first liquid).

Materials used to form liquid consumption devices and mold apparatusesaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure may include, or maycontain inks, dyes, or pigments that include, one of more of thefollowing properties: thermochromism, photochromism, piezochrom ism,electrochromism, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, phosphorescence,dishwasher-safeness, heat resistance (to facilitate receiving liquidsthat are served at higher temperatures, such as espresso, warm sake, hottoddies, or the like), recyclability, compostability, andbiodegradability.

Liquid consumption devices and mold apparatuses according to embodimentsof the present disclosure may include one or more of alphanumeric text,symbols, patterns, images, logos, graphics, or other indicia on one ormore surfaces thereof. Such features may be provided by one or more ofembossing, debossing, printing, etching, engraving, or the like.

In some embodiments, the devices described above provide opportunitiesfor adding aesthetic appeal to otherwise simple cocktails, given thegreater number of manufacturing and material options available comparedto a typical lid. In some embodiments, the devices described abovefacilitate providing unusual menu items to the bar and restaurantindustries. For example, a liquid (such as wheatgrass or a cheese andcrackers flavored spirit) could be provided atop a glass of wine.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer toparticular features, the scope of this disclosure also includesembodiments having different combinations of features and embodimentsthat do not include all of the above described features.

The following is claimed:
 1. A mold apparatus for forming a liquidconsumption device, the mold apparatus comprising: a die comprising adie chamber, the die chamber being adapted to receive an uncuredmaterial and permit the uncured material to cure therein and therebyform the liquid consumption device; a liquid chamber-forming featuredisposed within the die chamber and adapted to form a liquid chamber inthe liquid consumption device when the uncured material cures in the diechamber; and a liquid channel-forming feature disposed within the diechamber and adapted to form a liquid channel in an outer surface of theliquid consumption device when the uncured material cures in the diechamber.
 2. The mold apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquidchannel-forming feature monolithically couples to the die within the diechamber.
 3. The mold apparatus of claim 1, wherein the die is a firstdie, and further comprising a second die being movable relative to thefirst die, the second die comprising the liquid chamber-forming feature.4. The mold apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second die furthercomprises a base, and the liquid chamber-forming feature monolithicallycouples to the base.
 5. The mold apparatus of claim 3, wherein the firstdie includes an opening through which liquid is pourable when the firstdie is coupled to the second die.
 6. The mold apparatus of claim 1,wherein the die comprises a plurality of die chambers, each of the diechambers being adapted to receive an associated uncured material andpermit the associated uncured material to cure therein and thereby forman associated liquid consumption device, and further comprising: aplurality of liquid chamber-forming features, each of the liquidchamber-forming features disposed within one of the die chambers andadapted to form a liquid chamber in the associated liquid consumptiondevice when the associated uncured material cures in the die chamber;and a plurality of liquid channel-forming features, each of the liquidchannel-forming features disposed within one of the die chambers andadapted to form a liquid channel in an outer surface of the associatedliquid consumption device when the associated uncured material cures inthe die chamber.
 7. The mold apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of theliquid channel-forming features monolithically couples to the die withinone of the die chambers.
 8. The mold apparatus of claim 6, wherein thedie is a first die, and further comprising a second die being movablerelative to the first die, the second die comprising the liquidchamber-forming features.
 9. A mold apparatus for forming a liquidconsumption device, the mold apparatus comprising: a base adapted toengage a rim of a coverless container while the coverless containercarries an uncured material, the base being adapted to permit theuncured material to cure in the coverless container and thereby form theliquid consumption device; a liquid chamber-forming feature carried bythe base and adapted to form a liquid chamber in the liquid consumptiondevice when the uncured material cures in the coverless container; and aliquid channel-forming feature carried by the base and adapted to form aliquid channel in an outer surface of the liquid consumption device whenthe uncured material cures in the coverless container.
 10. The moldapparatus of claim 9, wherein the liquid chamber-forming featuremonolithically couples to the base.
 11. The mold apparatus of claim 9,wherein the liquid channel-forming feature monolithically couples to thebase.
 12. The mold apparatus of claim 9, wherein the base is adapted tocarry the coverless container in an inverted position when the uncuredmaterial cures in the coverless container.
 13. The mold apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the base is a first base, and further comprising asecond base adapted to detachably couple to the first base.
 14. The moldapparatus of claim 13, wherein the second base is adapted to engage afoot of the coverless container.
 15. The mold apparatus of claim 9,wherein the liquid chamber-forming feature comprises a cone.
 16. Themold apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cone is a semi-spherical tippedcone.
 17. The mold apparatus of claim 9, wherein the base is a firstbase, and further comprising: a second base adapted to engage a foot ofthe coverless container; and a plurality of arms detachably coupling thefirst base to the second base such that the first base and the secondbase are adapted to securely carry the coverless container therebetween.18. A method for consuming a first liquid and a second liquid carried bya liquid container, the liquid container comprising a liquid containeroutlet adapted to permit passage of the second liquid therethrough, themethod comprising: providing a device having a body, the bodycomprising: a first liquid chamber adapted to carry the first liquid; anattachment element coupled to the first liquid chamber and adapted toattach the device to the liquid container proximate the liquid containeroutlet; a device outlet adapted to permit passage of the second liquidtherethrough; coupling the device to the liquid container proximate theliquid container outlet via the attachment element; positioning a firstliquid within the first liquid chamber; positioning the device and theliquid container in a first orientation in which the body is positionedso as to inhibit flow of the second liquid through the device outlet;consuming the first liquid from the first liquid chamber while thedevice and the liquid container are positioned in the first orientation;repositioning the device and the liquid container in a secondorientation in which the body is positioned so as to permit flow of thesecond liquid through the device outlet; and consuming the second liquidfrom the device outlet while the device and the liquid container arepositioned in the second orientation.
 19. A method of claim 18, whereinin the first orientation the device outlet is at a first elevation, inthe second orientation the device outlet is at a second elevation, andthe second elevation is less than the first elevation.
 20. A method ofclaim 18, wherein the liquid container is a coverless container havingan inner surface, the attachment element comprises a tapering outersurface of the device, and coupling the device to the liquid containercomprises detachably engaging the outer surface against the innersurface.